Stones limps off on Inter debut as flexor concern clouds fresh start in Serie A

John Stones made his first Serie A start for Inter Milan on Monday only to limp off the San Siro pitch during a chaotic 5-3 victory over Udinese, with Inter head coach Cristian Chivu confirming the 32-year-old had felt something in his flexor muscle.

Stones pulled up while chasing Udinese forward Keinan Davis, signalled to the bench, and was replaced by Benjamin Pavard. The exit came at a difficult moment for the England international, who had already endured a testing afternoon — Italian outlet L’Interista awarded him a rating of five, 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.”

Curtis Jones, who came on at the same time as Stones departed, has made a sharper impression since both players arrived from the Premier League this summer. Fellow Englishman Djed Spence, the former Tottenham defender, is yet to feature at all due to injury. Stones and Jones had both put in solid performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League the previous week, offering a more encouraging glimpse of what Chivu had hoped to build.

The timing of the potential setback is particularly awkward. Inter’s next fixture is a trip to AS Roma before the international break, and England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to name Stones in his Nations League squad for upcoming fixtures against Spain, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.

Stones’s injury record during his final years at Manchester City was a persistent problem, and the concern at Inter is that this latest issue may not resolve quickly. Chivu had spoken warmly of the experience both Stones and Jones bring, noting in late August: “They’re experienced players who are comfortable playing under pressure in certain matches. I have nothing to reproach them for their attitude, they are two exemplary guys who give everything and I’m happy to have them.”

Stones joined Inter on a free transfer after his contract at City expired, ending a decade under Pep Guardiola in which he won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League. Several Premier League clubs had shown interest before Inter entered the race and quickly persuaded him to move to Milan.