Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was tightlipped on Joe Hart's status after axing him for their thrashing by Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Pellegrini's side were beaten 3-0, and Hart's replacement - new signing Willy Caballero - was left flat-footed for Santi Cazorla's opener and could have done better with Olivier Giroud's long-range goal.
But speaking after the defeat, the City manager offered no assurances to Hart that he will be restored to the starting line-up.
When asked if the Englishman was still his first choice, Pellegrini said: "All the 22 players we have in our squad must demonstrate they are the No.1 in their positions."
