Ilkay Gundogan insists Manchester City can handle the suspension of Fernandinho.

Victory over Aston Villa was marred only by a second yellow card for Fernandinho, who will now serve a suspension.

With the Brazilian deputising at centre-back with City having suffered injuries in the defensive backline, Gundogan admitted the red card could not have come at a worse time but insists the Champions will be able to cope – even if the German himself has to fill in!

“Fortunately, we still have Nicolas Otamendi, who was not able to come on because we had already changed three players.

“If I'm needed, I'm ready to help the team wherever. If I'm needed to play at centre-back for many games, I will try my best to help the team but I don't think it's that far yet.

“We're unlucky at the moment and the red card doesn't help but we'll still have a great team on the pitch."