Pep Guardiola explains Ederson decision vs West Ham and gives Kevin De Bruyne injury update

Pep Guardiola has revealed Ederson was dropped to the bench for Wednesday night’s Premier League as he was in need of a rest.

The decision not to select the Brazilian in Manchester City’s starting line-up was the biggest shock when the teams were announced ahead of the game, despite West Ham only naming seven substitutes on the bench and Nayef Aguerd, Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek missing out entirely due to illness.

With Ederson named among the substitutes, Stefan Ortega started for City, with the 30-year-old playing his 11th match of the campaign, yet his first in the Premier League. Asked about the decision to not play Ederson on Wednesday, Guardiola said pre-match: "To rest a little bit.

“So [we have/had] a lot of games. For the mentality, to take a rest is good. We have a lot of confidence with Stefan, and try for everyone to be involved,” the City boss explained to Sky Sports.

City named an almost fully-fit squad for the Hammers encounter, with the only absentee being Kevin De Bruyne. The midfielder picked up a knock in last week’s win over Arsenal, which forced him to sit out Sunday’s victory at Craven Cottage.

Guardiola was asked for the latest on De Bruyne before the West Ham match and gave an encouraging fitness update ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United. “He’s feeling better. He’s not here,” said the former Barcelona manager.

Man City starting XI vs West Ham: Ortega; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Silva, Alvarez; Mahrez, Haaland, Grealish.