John Stones suffered a flexor injury during his first full start for Inter Milan, pulling up while chasing down Keinan Davis before he was substituted for Benjamin Pavard in Inter’s 5-3 win over Udinese.
The former City centre-back had been handed his maiden start in Serie A after completing his move away from the Etihad, with supporters at home following Stones’ Man City exit for Inter Milan closely since the summer.
The 32-year-old showed visible discomfort before signalling to the bench, forcing Inter to make the change earlier than planned despite the club running out comfortable winners. The nature of the stoppage immediately raised questions among Nerazzurri staff over the extent of the problem in his flexor muscle.
Cristian Chivu confirms muscle issue…
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu confirmed after the match that Stones “felt something in his flexor” when explaining the reasoning behind the substitution. The admission from Chivu offers the clearest official word so far on the injury, though it stops short of detailing its severity or likely duration.
Stones’ display before he was withdrawn also drew scrutiny in the Italian press. Local outlet L’Interista rated the Englishman five out of ten for his performance against Udinese, writing: “He was in trouble. He didn’t mark anyone for the first goal, leaving Akanji with two men, and lost all of his duels with Davies.
It was already known that the injury issue would be key to the Englishman’s season.” The assessment reflects L’Interista’s own editorial view of the game rather than a confirmed medical account, but it underlines the difficult afternoon Stones endured before his withdrawal.
Inter fitness concerns
The injury adds to a growing list of fitness issues at Inter, with defender Djed Spence yet to feature this season because of his own problems. Stones’ setback leaves Chivu with fewer defensive options to call upon as the Nerazzurri manage a congested fixture schedule across Serie A and Europe.
Awaiting scan results…
The precise extent of Stones’ flexor injury remains unconfirmed, with Inter yet to disclose the outcome of any scans or medical assessments. Chivu’s post-match comments confirmed the location of the issue but offered no further detail on its grade or the timeline for a possible return.
Inter will assess Stones in the coming days as they prepare for their next round of Serie A and Champions League fixtures, with Chivu expected to manage his defensive options carefully given Spence’s continued absence.
Further information on Stones’ condition, according to the Manchester Evening News report, is expected once club medical staff have completed their evaluation. Until then, Inter and City supporters alike will be watching for an update on the England international’s fitness.
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