Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola denies freezing out Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian veteran has yet to play a competitive minute this season.

He was also missing entirely from the Etihad squad for the last two games.

But Guardiola, who surprised many by giving Toure, 34, another year's deal, insists there is nothing sinister going on.

He says of the midfielder: “I need him. We need him.

“He was so important last season.

“He'll be so important this season.

“I admire him. What he's done in his career is exceptional."