Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that new signing Raheem Sterling will be made to wait for his debut as he will not be included in the squad to face Melbourne City in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal with the former Premier League champions on Tuesday after a reported £49m bid was accepted by Liverpool.

Sterling, who has become the most expensive English player ever, jetted out to Brisbane on Thursday to join up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour.

The England international took part in his first training session on Friday, but Pellegrini has confirmed to reporters that the starlet is not ready to feature in Saturday's game on the Gold Coast.

Sterling could play in International Champions Cup friendlies against Roma and Real Madrid while Down Under.

Written by
Danielle Joynson