Pep Guardiola has told two Premier League managers he ‘wishes he had their team’ amid Manchester City’s poor season. Far from securing a record-extending fifth successive Premier League trophy, Man City face a battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League after an alarming drop-off this season.

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.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded that Jeremy Doku is likely to be missing for "a while", ahead of big upcoming games in the Premier League and Champions League.