Pep Guardiola has challenged Aymeric Laporte to prove he can dislodge Manchester City's immoveable wall of Ruben Dias and John Stones.
Laporte returned to training from a hamstring injury this week but has spent the majority of the season watching City's new central defensive partnership blossom.
The 26-year-old is likely to feature against Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup at the weekend, although is not deemed ready for Wednesday's clash with Aston Villa.
'It depends on him,' Guardiola said. 'He has to be focused to come back in the best condition possible and he will get his minutes.