The coach states the Belgian will need to prove he deserves a place over the likes of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will not be an automatic starter when he returns from injury, warns Pep Guardiola.
Kompany has been plagued by calf issues in recent seasons and tore a thigh muscle during the Champions League semifinal defeat to Real Madrid last May.
The Belgium international is closing in on a return to competitive action, but City boss Guardiola believes he will face stiff competition for a starting berth from Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones.