Pep Guardiola says he has several options for central defence cover should he need them.
In the latest injury blow, Nathan Ake has joined John Stones and Manu Akanji on the sidelines with all three likely to be out for at least two months.
It leaves the Blues with Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov or possibly Josko Gvardiol for the two central berths.
Asked of Nico could drop back into defence, Pep said: “No. Nico for his stature, but he has just arrived.
“He has to adapt certain processes for one position. If we have more problems in that position, maybe.
“We have him, Jahmai [Simpson-Pusey] has played a few games there and we have Max Alleyne, and we trust a lot in him.
“Two players in the Academy who are doing really well in the youth competition in midweek.
“We have three central defenders plus the two from the Academy.”
Watch the second part of Pep’ Friday afternoon press conference by playing the video above…