Why John Stones has not been playing for Man City proves there is new selection system in place

Imagine telling a Manchester City fan 12 months ago that they would have a fully-fit John Stones available for a run of must-win games to secure the Premier League title and Pep Guardiola would choose to leave him out.

When Stones conducted the midfield in the Champions League final 11 months ago, it would seem unthinkable that he wouldn't be the first name on the teamsheet whenever possible for the current campaign. But a mix of injuries and fitness setbacks have disrupted his season, restricting him to just 27 appearances this term.

He has started just one of the last seven games, failing to complete 90 minutes since the away trip to Real Madrid. He has played just 76 minutes of a possible 660, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake becoming regulars in his place and Josko Gvardiol impressing at left-back. Akanji has started 18 of the last 20 fixtures.

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Ruben Dias returned to the XI at Fulham, and when Ake was injured it was Kyle Walker who came on despite Pep Guardiola admitting that the right-back had barely trained in the build-up - although admittedly the change allowed Akanji to be moved away from right-back where he was struggling.

So why has Stones found himself fifth or sixth choice all of a sudden? He's not injured and is fully fit, as Guardiola confirmed at Craven Cottage.

"He's really great [fitness-wise]," Guardiola admitted. "Sometimes the players make a step up, the other ones. Manu is playing unbelievable now, Nathan was unbelievable as well. That's why. When you play games in that position. Jack last season