Pep Guardiola has told John Stones he needs him on the pitch in Wednesday’s crunch Champions League clash with Bruges. The England defender has made only eight starts for Manchester City this season in an injury-hit campaign and not completed 90 minutes since October.

John Stones is on the comeback trail from yet another injury but looks like being forced into a start earlier than planned against Bruges

Stones shone in the Treble success by transforming into a dependable solution in defensive midfield, largely alongside Rodri, however with the injury sustained by the Spaniard, Guardiola believes it rules out the idea of the England centre-back returning to the role this season.

Pep Guardiola has said he doesn't think Manchester City can win the Champions League this season after they scraped into the play-off round to book a tie against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

Manchester City confirmed their place in the playoffs of the Champions League, however, Pep Guardiola has hinted at a problem with the new format.