Guardiola will judge Walker on the pitch

PREMIER LEAGUE: Pep Guardiola will not hold Kyle Walker’s lockdown indiscretions against him when the Premier League resumes, with the Manchester City manager saying he judges his players by what they do on the pitch.

After a long coronavirus suspension, the English topflight returns behind closed doors today as Aston Villa host Sheffield United before City step out at the Etihad Stadium against Arsenal.

Among the team issues heading into the resumption of play appeared to be the availability of former Blade Walker, who was forced to issue an apology in April after reports that he had hosted a party at his home.

The Sheffield-born City rightback claimed that he was being “harassed” the following month after admitting that he breached lockdown rules to visit his sister and parents - issues that Guardiola says will not impact his selection.

“I judge my players on what happens on the pitch,” he said.

“I think Kyle made a brave statement about what happened in this period and the club spoke with him.

“What I want is the best for him, especially his family - his wife, kids, parents. That is what we want.

“The human being always goes first, then the football player and I think Kyle expressed his thoughts in his statement.”

The Premier League was suspended on March 13 after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta contracted Covid-19.

The Spaniard made a full recovery and intends to share a glass of wine with his compatriot on this evening, having done battle for the first time since Arteta left his role as Guardiola’s assistant to take the Emirates Stadium hotseat.

“I’m excited for the fact to see him again – one of the nicest people I have ever met,” the City boss said.

“It was a joy for me, I think for all of us to work with him.”