Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola: 'I have no doubts over John Stones'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that John Stones will get the opportunity to impress in the second leg of the club's Champions League last-16 tie with Basel.

Stones has featured for just 99 minutes since January 23, with the England international playing the full 90 minutes when City succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fifth round.

The 23-year-old has not been involved in City's last three fixtures, but Guardiola has insisted that he still has faith in the former Everton man, who is expected to start at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

At a press conference, the 47-year-old told reporters: "John is an extraordinary player. What he has done has shown me that - now we have four excellent centre-backs. Vincent Kompany was not able for a long period, and now he has played in the last games.

"In the last game, John had a chance and in this game he has a chance - and they have to be ready for my decisions. But I don't have, and he doesn't have, any doubts about his abilities to play in the team."

In total, Stones has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season.