Goalkeeper Joe Hart will again be on the bench when Manchester City take on CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.
Hart has had a tough season so far and following a number of high-profile blunders, he was dropped from the side that took on Norwich City at the weekend.
Costel Pantilimon took his place between the sticks and Hart had to watch on as City hammered the Canaries 7-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Pellegrini revealed after the game that Hart was in need of a rest following a gruelling couple of seasons and he has reiterated those thoughts ahead of the CSKA clash.
“I don’t know when Joe will come back to the team,” Pellegrini said.
“It is very important for him to have a rest. He has played all the matches in the last two and a half years.
“We will see in the future what we must do. For today, Pantilimon is playing.”
The 26-year-old could now be set for a lengthy spell on the bench if Pantilimon grabs the opportunity he has been given with both hands.
Elsewhere, Stevan Jovetic has been ruled out for another three weeks with a calf problem, while captain Vincent Kompany is out with a groin injury.
“Jovetic has at least three weeks (out),” Pellegrini added. “Except Vincent Kompany and Richard Wright, all the other players are fit.”
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