Trio Withdraw From International Duty

Manchester City trio John Stones, Fabian Delph and Nicolas Otamendi are all unavailable for the current international break.

Stones and Delph were both included in Gareth Southgate’s initial 25-man England squad for the Euro 202 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro but the duo have been forced to withdraw due to their respective injuries.

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek also pulled out of the Three Lions squad due to injury, with Southampton star James Ward-Prowse being drafted into what is now a squad of 23.

Related: Allegri Laments Below-Par Juve

Argentina international Otamendi is unavailable for the friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco with a minor ankle knock although he is expected to return to full fitness after the international break.

All three City players that have withdrawn from international duty are set to return to domestic action when the Citizens travel to relegation-threatened Fulham on March 30.