Guardiola upbeat over Stones and cautious over Walker as he claims his team is 'alive

JOHN Stones was left out of the City squad against Luton as a precaution, and could feature in the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

- JOE BRAY

Stones was not involved against Luton after team-mate Rodri suggested the England international had played through pain in the quarter-final first leg in Spain on Tuesday.

Prior to that, Pep Guardiola said he would have preferred not to give Stones another full 90 minutes at Crystal Palace last week.

However, despite concerns over Stones' condition, Guardiola confirmed he is not injured while also offering updates on the returning Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake, who both returned from injury but remained on the bench against Luton.