The Frenchman has been a sure starter for most of his time at the Etihad Stadium but has struggled for game action so far this season.
Pep Guardiola has challenged Aymeric Laporte to rediscover his best form and his way back into the Manchester City team.
A sure starter for most of his time at the club, Laporte has only made four Premier League appearances so far this season.
Summer signing Ruben Dias has emerged as City’s new defensive director back four along with a resurrected John Stones. Guardiola’s side have the best defensive side in the league with just 13 goals conceded in 17 games, while Laporte has struggled for form and fitness.
“It depends, the quality is there,” Guardiola said as he returned to the first XI.
“[He has to] to be in high form and open mind. The left defender is the best [we have], he has a special quality with the ball.
“He needs to be targeted to get back in the best possible condition and get his minutes. After all, it is up to him to achieve it as much as he is to the shape of everyone. “
City are hoping to go to the top of the table with a win at home to Aston Villa on Wednesday, Laporte ‘s game is going to be lost by a pig case.
However, he could return for Saturday’s trip to League Two alongside Cheltenham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
“It simply came to our notice then – we need it [like] we must [Nathan] Ake, Eric [Garcia], ”Guardiola said.
“We have been very good [in defence] except in the game against Leicester [a 5-2 loss] at the beginning of the season.
“Lots of things help [you] to be heroes but if one or two of these fall a little it is hard to do. You have to be good in set pieces, in front of, defensively, in the transitions: it takes many aspects, the private life of the players, the physical form, to be in good spirits.
“Villa is the only concern. We don’t know what players will be available tomorrow. See you in the line-up. But the quality they have shown this season compared to last season is amazing.
“Apart from the good results are the achievements. It’s just a matter of worry but if you can win five in a row, you can lose three in a row. The next one is the most important and that is Aston Villa. “