Tuchel says Stones a 'key player' for him as defender's injury issues a concern

Thomas Tuchel is set to give John Stones every chance of making it into England's World Cup squad, describing the injury-hit centre-back as "a key player" for him. But warned the Man City man "has to be fit".

Stones has 87 caps for his country but due to injury issues he has featured just four times for Tuchel since he took charge of the national team.

The City defender was in line to face Uruguay on Friday at Wembley but was forced out of the squad due to a minor calf problem.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's friendly with Japan, Tuchel says Stones remains a major part of his plans for this summer - as long as he is fit when the squad for the tournament is named at the start of June.

"It's not ideal for John and for us," said Tuchel on Stones' latest setback. "John was gutted he had this minor incident. Given the history we had to be careful. It made no sense to push him through and try stuff and make things worse.

"He has a lot of credit with me in the bank. He is a key player for me as a starter or coming off the bench. His quality, his mentality and the personality, how he is, he is a big part of my plans still, but like everyone he has to be fit.

"There's no big exception for that. But let's wait. I think he will have some days out and then be back on the pitch. I think he can get away with not too many minutes and then like always we take a late decision. Let's wait and see how it plays out."

Tuchel's comments contrast with what he has said about another experienced England centre-back Harry Maguire. The Man Utd defender played well against Uruguay but Tuchel later suggested Maguire remains potentially fifth in the pecking order at that position.

"I haven't changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile," he said

Tuchel keeping fingers crossed on injuries ahead of World Cup

Tuchel later noted how decisive injuries could be in terms of prospects at the World Cup, pointing out other countries have lost important players too. "Injuries, everyone is affected. We have to keep our fingers crossed we have the main selection available," he said.

But Tuchel has been particularly affected ahead of the Japan game, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka returning to Arsenal with issues after being rested for the Uruguay draw, and Noni Madueke and Adam Wharton picking up injuries in that match which mean they cannot play on Tuesday. Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah had already pulled out ahead of the camp.

Tuchel admitted it was a frustration not to have his full options available but accepted it is always a possibility in the March camp, which comes amid a busy period in the club football calendar.

"Disappointed - but not with the players, with the fact we want to have everyone in good spirits and health," said Tuchel when asked about the pull-outs.

"It's the reality of end of the season and the end March, the reality of having payers in European matches and more than just one competition with all the cups going on.

"We have players in camp that have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern.

"The players needed and deserved the mental break from football. We could see the energy with which they came back into camp and to reconnect now in the new environment.

"We want them to perform in their clubs but the reality is it's our last camp before we leave to America, so we want to reconnect to our principles.

"It's disappointing but I'm not upset with the players, I'm not angry. Some of the injured players even stayed and started their treatment here. Had another dinner, another night, another breakfast.

"Everyone was more affected to leave than being able to stay.

"We will have a strong team tomorrow. [On Monday] everyone is in training - full choice. We have some fresh legs back so excited for [Tuesday]."

Tuchel on Japan: We need a top performance to win

When asked about the challenge of facing Japan, Tuchel warned there would be no underestimating a side ranked 18th in the world, who arrive at Wembley after beating Scotland 1-0 on Saturday at Hampden Park. They have lost just one of their last 17 fixtures.

"I expect a well-drilled team. Mobile, fluid, love a switch of play. They love ball possession," said Tuchel, who is well-versed in their back-five set-up.

"I played many times myself this formation. It's quite hard to press. We need to be intelligent and fully committed to our press if we want to steal the ball and get high ball recoveries.

"Very fast players and given the formation Japan plays, there's always the chance to suffer against the switch of play. But we're on our way to being well prepared with one more training session. It will be an interesting game."

He added: "We need to be ourselves and be on our top performance to win the game."