As we showed yesterday evening in our training gallery. Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Benjamin Mendy, John Stones and Vincent Kompany joined in the session and could be in contention for the weekend.
VIEW: Monday training gallery
READ: City’s mashup Nike kit revealed
Pep Guardiola will assess all his players, particularly those returning from international duty, and give journalists a brief at his Friday press conference – only then will we know who is likely to feature.
The Mail write: “Manchester City have been given a boost ahead of the Premier League title run-in, with Kevin De Bruyne back in training.
“De Bruyne suffered a thigh problem during City’s victory against Bournemouth on March 2 and wasn’t included in the Belgium squad.
“However, the midfielder was in good spirits during training, where he was joined by his compatriot Vincent Kompany, who had previously been struggling with a muscular injury.
“Sergio Aguero and David Silva were also present as the City players who weren’t involved in internationals were put through their paces.
“Manager Pep Guardiola was in good spirits as his players prepared for their next assignment, which sees them face Fulham away on Saturday.
“City are currently in second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool but with a game in hand.”
Ferna also trained after being sidelined for several weeks - let’s hope all three are nearing full fitness.
Raheem Sterling continues to make the headlines this morning after scoring for England and having a major role in two more goals.
But it is the City winger’s stance against alleged racist chanting from the Montenegro section of supporters watching the game that he has been widely praised for.
Gary Lineker expressed his admiration for the England forward on Twitter.
The MOTD anchor tweeted: ‘He’s not only one of our most important players but @sterling7 has become an intelligent, assured and measured voice for good in our game and our society.’
High – and deserved – praise indeed.
Elsewhere, Danilo, while on duty with Brazil, called into his old club Porto while in the city.
The Blues’ defender believes Porto will give Liverpool problems in the Champions League quarter-final and also had praise for Portuguese team-mate Bernardo.
Sport Witness report: “Manchester City right-back Danilo had the chance to visit Porto once again this weekend. In the squad for Brazil’s friendly against Panama, the player once again entered the Estádio do Dragão, a place where he played for four seasons.
“His return to the north of Portugal has attracted the interest from the local press, who had a chat with him after the friendly, and asked about the Dragons’ chances against Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals.
‘From now on there are no weaker or more difficult opponents; they are practically all of the same level. So, I think FC Porto have chances, just like Liverpool will,’ said Danilo.
“Asked to talk more about the Anfield side, and perhaps give some insight which could help, Danilo said his old club can progress against Liverpool: ‘They are a very strong team and have several positive features, while FC Porto are a mixed team. But making a good plan and, especially, having a good game there, there’s a chance to get through.’
“Bernardo Silva was also a topic in the conversation, and Danilo could only praise his teammate: ‘Those who don’t follow the day-to-day and the training of Manchester City have no idea of what Bernardo is like. He’s a person who works hard, a player with a very special talent and who always seeks to evolve. It’s very well deserved the recognition for all he has done.’
Well said.
Finally, The Boot Room reveal one of Phil Foden’s non-City inspirations as they report: “Foden has named Jack Wilshere among the players he liked as a youngster.
It reads: “The young English midfielder is getting a great footballing education and could well be the playmaker Gareth Southgate needs in years to come, and has been explaining his inspirations.
“He said: ‘My style of play comes from myself. It’s good that people say I’m not a typical English footballer. I don’t copy anyone but I like to learn.
“I loved Andres Iniesta and David Silva. I liked Jack Wilshere as well. Every day I was out in the garden, morning until night.’
It paid off Phil!
More gossip and opinion tomorrow...
