Pep Guardiola says John Stones has a big role to play before the season is over despite currently being kept out of the team by the exemplary performances of his fellow City defenders.

Stones has struggled with injuries in 2023/24 and has only played 16 Premier League games and 27 matches across all competitions in the sky blue of City.

Since limping off early on for England in their 2-2 friendly draw with Belgium two months ago, Stones has only started one of the last eight top-flight matches, the 4-2 win at Crystal Palace.

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But the boss insists the classy centre-half is ‘really okay’ and is vital as City chase more trophies to add to our UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup honours.

“Sometimes other players step up,” the manager told the media.

“Manu is unbelievable now and Nathan has been unbelievable and that’s why.

“Jack played a lot last season but this season he has played less.

“In this team, you have to perform consistently well many, many times.

“We know each other quite well - I wouldn’t say like father and son, but we know each other well and we will need him in the last part of the season and, of course, in the future.”

Watch the manager’s press conference in the video player above.