Aymeric Laporte facing an uncertain future at Manchester City

It will soon be two months since Manchester City centre-back Aymeric Laporte last started in the Premier League or Champions League. A 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest was the last time City dropped points in the league and, since then, the Spanish defender has missed two games through illness but has been on the bench for the rest. His only start in the last 10 games in all competitions came in the FA Cup against Burnley. What will happen with Laporte's future?

Laporte has fallen down the pecking order under former Barça boss Pep Guardiola and was not part of the resilient defensive backline that nullified Bayern Munich's attack in midweek. The following day, Laporte shared an Instagram story with the following message: "After the rain, a rainbow; after a storm, calm; and after an end, a new beginning." As always, a cryptic post from any player, enough to fuel talk of a transfer and a new adventure in Laporte's career.

With Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and John Stones getting more minutes than him, the best thing for Laporte is to look for a new destination. Guardiola's City are still looking for glory in three competitions, but it is unclear where the defender fits into the manager's plans. 

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According to reports from England, the current defensive backline would be retained for upcoming games against Bayern and Arsenal. That leaves Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley as a golden opportunity for Laporte. Despite that, the game against Leicester at home could also be a presentable opportunity for the player to show what he can still contribute. If he is not picked, the end of the centre-back's time at the Citizens could be a little closer.