Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists he's not freezing out Joleon Lescott.

The 30-year-old was an unused substitute for the league matches on August 26 at Liverpool and on Saturday at Fulham, as well as the Blues' Champions League Group D opener against Real Madrid on September 18 at the Bernabeu.

Asked if he had lost faith in Lescott, the Italian said: "He is one of the best defenders. But I have six or seven defenders and I made a different choice last week and in Madrid.

"(On Wednesday) I will decide again, but Joleon is an important player for us."