Manchester City will face Leicester City on Saturday, September 11, with Scott Carson as their goalkeeper.
This is after Man City’s top goalkeeper Ederson amongst other players were banned by FIFA and the Brazilian Football Federation for five days after not appearing during the latest batch of international games.
Ideally, this would be a chance for the backup keeper to step in; however, City's second choice, Zack Steffen, has tested positive for COVID-19 after being away with the US national team.
This left Guardiola to opt for plan C which was for Carson, the veteran English keeper, to take over.
The 36-year-old is in his third season with the Citizens. Last season he played one Premier League game when the title was already wrapped up.
The Citizens coach praised Carson's influence off the pitch and his experience in the dressing room, and stated that he is delighted that Carson would play.
"Maybe people don't know it, but he's a real leader for us. He says straight away what he believes, he has a lot of experience, he has been in incredible locker rooms with big teams,” stated Guardiola.
“He is an incredible person, and we are delighted – not just me but Ederson and Zack Steffen and the players that today he could play." He added.
Other players banned by FIFA due to Covid regulations that would have meant them quarantining on arrival back are Liverpool trio Roberto Firimino, Alisson and Fabinho, Manchester United’s Fred, Leeds United’s Raphinha, Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and Man City’s Gabriel Jesus.