Pep Guardiola opens door for Joe Hart return after opening-day omission

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Joe Hart's future at Manchester City is not in doubt after leaving the Englishman out of his opening starting lineup of the season.

The Spaniard opted to go with Willy Caballero for Saturday's home meeting with Sunderland, leaving Hart - first-choice stopper for the best part of six seasons at the Etihad Stadium - on the bench.

Guardiola's decision to omit Hart from the side only fuelled speculation that the 29-year-old could be on his way out of the club this summer, but the City manager was quick to stress that his decision may just be a one-off.

"Of course [Hart] can play. All the players in the squad can play," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "I have a lot of respect for Joe, a lot of respect for his career. I know how good a goalkeeper he is, but today I decided for Willy. That is all.

"I think Willy had a good pre-season - really, really good. He gave me today a lot of confidence for his build-up play, for his personality and that's why I choose him. In the end, I have a squad and I decide what I see.

"I have to create a team spirit. It's not about tactics, it's not about anything, and I decided today for this lineup. That does not mean in the future they are not going to play or they are going to play."

City, who hit back late on to earn an opening-day 2-1 win over Sunderland on home soil, return to action on Tuesday evening when they face Steaua Bucuresti in a Champions League playoff tie.