Had he stayed on the pitch we would not have , at least, conceded two goals.Hope he recovers soon.
Not sure I agree. If fit, sure. But if your body's not giving you what you can usually rely on it for, it's very easy to make mistakes.
He looked decent tonight despite clearly having to slow to walking pace wherever he could (class being permanent and form - and fitness - temporary) but still, there were a couple of shaky moments. He stays on the pitch, maybe his injury gets worse, maybe he makes a mistake that gifts them a goal, and his body and his confidence both take a hit.
For me, he's our most complete centre-back. I think the others look better alongside him because his game's versatile enough to play in a way that complements them. I'd play him every big match he's fit for.
And he's our third choice right back at the minute, which is worrying given our second choice right back is our first choice left back (surely we need to bring in a full back in the summer?). So, Kyle and Joao being unavailable, I get why Pep started John. Even semi-fit he has a lot to offer.
Really hope it's not a lengthy injury. He deserves to be involved in the run-in.