Joleon Lescott remains an important player for Manchester City despite starting two of the last four games, manager Roberto Mancini says.
City have yet to keep a clean sheet this season but defender Lescott, 30, was an unused substitute against Fulham last Saturday.
Lescott could again miss out when Borussia Dortmund visit the Etihad in the Champions League on Wednesday.
But Mancini said: “He is one of the best defenders.”
City have conceded eight goals in six Premier League games this season having kept 17 clean sheets on their way to the title last season.
Lescott, who has 23 England caps, was also an unused substitute when City leaked two goals in the final three minutes to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League on 18 September at the Bernabeu.
“I have six or seven defenders and I made a different choice last week and in Madrid,” added Mancini.
“On Wednesday I will decide again, but Joleon is an important player for us.”
BBC Sport
