Guardiola hints Stones could leave Manchester City

Pep Guardiola said he will discuss John Stones' future with the player in the close season, indicating that the center-back could leave Manchester City after four campaigns with the club.

The City boss has defended Stones through a series of high-profile errors, and stressed in 2018 that the player would remain a key part of his plans throughout his managerial tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

But Guardiola appeared to soften his stance during Wednesday's press conference. "On the transfer market (and its issues) we speak at the end of the season. I've said many times I'm more than delighted with John as a person, as a pro, everything. What I want is the best for him. We'll speak at the end of the season about what is going to happen.

"Sometimes my wish is not the wish of the players, or the wish of the situation for the club," Guardiola continued. "At the moment (if) I will feel it, if we have to change, we'll talk to them. He's a young player and we want him to be consistent, to train and recover. There are players who can play every three days for 11 months, others struggle more to be fit and we try to find the key to playing every three days."

Stones was injured when English football returned following the hiatus, but he still is yet to feature for City since overcoming his ankle issue. The 26-year-old was an unused substitute against Newcastle United in the FA Cup and in meetings with Liverpool and Southampton in the Premier League.

Guardiola claimed in his midweek media briefing that Stones didn't train until last week. The Englishman has missed 30 matches due to his injury since the start of the 2017-18 season, according to Transfermarkt.

Eric Garcia, 19, is one player who seems to have leaped over Stones in the defensive pecking order, while Aymeric Laporte has re-established himself in the lineup after overcoming a long-term injury in January. However, Guardiola revealed Stones will start when Newcastle visit east Manchester on Wednesday.