Pep Guardiola has already explained his Nathan Ake stance as star prepares for Man City return

Manchester City have been fortunate enough to be able to rely on several players this season.

Beyond Erling Haaland, who has rightly stolen plenty of back page headlines, Pep Guardiola has seen consistent performances from the likes of Jack Grealish, Rodri and Manuel Akanji. Another name worthy of that list is Nathan Ake.

The Dutchman stepped up to the plate earlier this season when he came in at left-back to replace Joao Cancelo. Despite naturally being a centre-back, Ake slipped into the role seamlessly.

However, since picking up a hamstring injury in the Champions League quarter final victory over Bayern Munich, the Blues have had to adapt to life without him. The system has tweaked and has seen Akanji perform in the position.

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Now Ake has returned to fitness and could be available to face West Ham United tonight, he may be concerned about whether he can regain his place with the Swiss player performing so well. But Guardiola has already made his position on the Netherlands international clear.

"These types of players play good because when they were not playing, they were always the most generous, with the most commitment for the club," Guardiola said of Ake, in an interview with Sky Sports. "When this happens, you do not have regrets because you are prepared.

"In that period when you were not playing, you were preparing, not finding excuses, not complaining about other situations apart from yourself. You were training to improve, to learn what the team needs, what the manager wants, what you can do better.

"I am not saying that when he was not playing quite as regularly, it was all fireworks at home. I am not saying that. Afterwards, when you are asked to play,