Pep Guardiola explains why Kyle Walker has not been starting for Man City

Pep Guardiola indicated that Kyle Walker will have to be content with a place on the bench when Manchester City play with three at the back.

The Blues boss has recently been moving a full-back into midfield to play alongside Rodri to play in front of three central defenders. John Stones performed the role to a high level in the 4-1 win over Liverpool, while youngster Rico Lewis has also been used there.

That has had a knock-on effect for Walker, who has started just two of the last six matches in all competitions for City with Lewis preferred for the Premier League game against Bournemouth and John Stones picked for the Crystal Palace, Leipzig and Liverpool games. Having missed a few months before the World Cup due to injury, Walker has tumbled down the list of Guardiola's most-used players this season.

ALSO READ: Guardiola gives City verdict on Romeo Lavia after Chelsea bid

For as long as City play the 3-4-3 formation that they used against Liverpool, the England international is likely to remain on the bench. Guardiola said that while Walker could play in one of the roles at the back, he is not suited to moving into midfield alongside Rodri in the way that Stones and Lewis are and there is no time for him to adapt currently.

"He cannot do it. He will always have pace, he will be the fastest in this room at 60," the manager said.

"To play inside you have to make some movements, he has other characteristics. He has played as a full-back coming inside with four in the back with Joao [Cancelo] or Alex [Zinchenko] in that position and Kyle has done it really well, but with this shape of three in the back and two in the middle he cannot do it.

"He can play coming inside and he has done it many times but like in