• Champions League

Pellegrini confirms Hart return

ESPN staff
November 24, 2013
Joe Hart remained on the bench for Manchester City's demolition of Tottenham © PA Photos
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Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Joe Hart will return to the Manchester City starting line-up when they host Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Pellegrini had overlooked Hart for the past five matches after the England international made high profile errors which cost the team goals against Cardiff, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Following City's 6-0 demolition of Tottenham on Sunday, in which Pellegrini opted to choose Costel Pantilimon once more, the Chilean stated he intended to play Hart when Plzen visit the Etihad for their Champions League group tie.

Pellegrini said: "Joe Hart will play on Wednesday."

Hart has not featured for City since October 27 and also sat out of England's friendly with Chile in November. However, the 26-year-old impressed for Roy Hodgson's side in a friendly against Germany last Tuesday.

City have already qualified for the last 16 in the Champions League.

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