Inter Milan Confirm John Stones Out for Roma Clash With Thigh Strain
Inter Milan have confirmed John Stones will miss Saturday’s Serie A summit meeting with Roma after sustaining a left-thigh strain in Monday’s 5-3 win over Udinese.
Stones facing up to a month out
The 32-year-old defender suffered the problem during his first Inter start since arriving from Manchester City in July. Tests have indicated an absence of at least three and a half weeks, with the possibility that his recovery could last a month.
- Stones had played four times for Inter before the injury.
- His first starting appearance in Italian football ended prematurely against Udinese.
- He is unlikely to return before the October international break is over.
- His immediate priority will be rehabilitation in Milan.
England plans hit before September squad announcement
The setback is a major concern for Thomas Tuchel, who is due to name his England squad on Friday for the first matches after the World Cup in North America.
England host Spain at Wembley on September 26 before a Nations League run that includes away trips to the Czech Republic and Croatia, followed by a home match against the Czechs on October 6.
- Stones has won 94 England caps.
- Only captain Harry Kane has made more appearances among the current England group.
- The centre-back featured five times as England finished third at the recent World Cup.
- He completed every minute of England’s quarter-final and semi-final, and also started the opening game against Croatia.
Inter also without Calhanoglu for Roma test
Hakan Calhanoglu will also be absent when Inter travel to the Stadio Olimpico. The Turkey midfielder missed the Udinese victory after picking up a right-thigh adductor strain.
The match carries early title significance: second-placed Inter are level with Roma on 12 points, although the leaders arrive with four wins from four league games.
