England: Thomas Tuchel says John Stones a 'key player' for him as defender's injury issues a concern ahead of World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has described John Stones as "a key player" but warned that the injury-hit Manchester City centre-back "has to be fit" if he is to make England's World Cup squad.

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."