There can be little doubting the quality of John Stones, one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history. After all, the Englishman lifted six top-flight titles with Manchester City before moving to Inter Milan this summer.

The 32-year-old arrived in Italy with a wealth of experience, having played 94 international matches for England. Add to that his Champions League final win in 2023 – coincidentally against Inter – and it looked like a great signing for the Serie A side.

However, only months into his spell abroad, it doesn't seem as though things are going so well for Stones.

John Stones Unsteady Start at Inter

Making £120,552 per week, Stones is the eighth-best-paid overseas Englishman right now, and there was much anticipation for his debut at Inter. The centre-back made his first appearance in pre-season against Real Betis, coming on for 20 minutes. That first showing had new fans excited, as they hyped up his ball-playing skills.

He actually scored the winner in that 1-0 victory, earning praise from Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, who handed the debutant a 7/10 rating for his short cameo, noting: "The timing and punctuality are English—a goal on his debut, without wasting a second—but what's most striking is the coordination of a seasoned striker."

When the season proper started, Stones made his official debut in Serie A, coming off the bench again for the 4-1 opening round win over Monza. Since then, though, he's played just three more times in all competitions – including in the loss against Real Madrid in the Champions League – starting just once.

The issue is familiar to anyone who has followed Stones in the past few years of his career. Indeed, injuries are to blame for his lack of game time.

Stones Facing January Transfer Window Concern

Stones has been sidelined with a hamstring strain since September, only just returning to the bench last weekend, as he was an unused sub in the 2-0 win over Como. Amid the fitness concerns, the Italian press are starting to express their doubts.

In an eye-opening update, it's now been suggested that the Englishman could be replaced at Inter in the January transfer market. Gazzetta dello Sport ask the damning question: 'What has happened to Stones?'

The article then claims he's 'under scrutiny' and states that if his fitness doesn't improve, his position in the team could be at risk when the winter window opens. The report adds:

"Various physical issues hang over him. In the last five years he has never managed more than 25 appearances in the Premier League: 14, 23, 16, 11 and just 9 last season. For now, he is stuck on three [in Serie A]."

Stones has not been called into Thomas Tuchel's squad for the November international break to face Croatia and Spain. As such, he can use the next few weeks to get himself up to full fitness, with Inter facing Atalanta on 22 November in their next match.

There are nine games in total for the Italian club until the January transfer market opens. It appears as though Stones has until then to cement his status in the team as a reliable option for Cristian Chivu.