Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said that he understands Wilfried Bony's disappointment over his exclusion from the starting eleven in the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal on Monday night.

The Chilean manager sacrificed the Ivorian international in favour of Sergio Aguero, who was making his first start after a spell out with an injury.

Following the game, Bony claimed that Aguero was not fit enough to start the game, expressing his frustration at the situation he finds himself in as City's second striker.

Pellegrini concurred to a degree but revealed that Aguero was indeed ready to play at the Emirates Stadium.

"Sergio was ready to play," he said.

"He needs minutes. He will not play maybe the 90 minutes for three or four games. He must train hard but he was ready to play.

"I think every player that doesn't play is always disappointed but I'm sure Bony and all the players respect my decision."

Asked if Bony had spoken to him, Pellegrini said: "I talk always with all the players about different situations."