Picture Special

Training gallery: Final preparations for the big return!

After more than a month-long break for the World Cup, the long wait to watch City in competitive action is almost over with the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.

Ahead of the fourth round tie at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, Pep Guardiola and his players have been working hard on the training pitches at the CFA.

As well as the players that featured in the 2-0 friendly victory over Girona at the weekend, others that were on international duty in Qatar have been returning to training.

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And there were more familiar faces from England’s and Portugal’s World Cup adventures back on the training pitches.

As our gallery shows, everyone was delighted to see them back and join in their work under the watchful eye of Pep and his coaching staff.

View the best of Wednesday training in our gallery below...

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WELCOME HOME : Phil Foden gets a big hug from Pep

WELCOME HOME : Phil Foden gets a big hug from Pep
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ALL SMILES : Ilkay Gundogan is happy to see John Stones back at the CFA

ALL SMILES : Ilkay Gundogan is happy to see John Stones back at the CFA
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JACK THE LAD : Jack Grealish shows off his skills after returning from Qatar

JACK THE LAD : Jack Grealish shows off his skills after returning from Qatar
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NICE TO SEE YOU : Pep welcomes back Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish

NICE TO SEE YOU : Pep welcomes back Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish
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WARM WELCOME : Aymeric Laporte is beating the elements in his hat and snood

WARM WELCOME : Aymeric Laporte is beating the elements in his hat and snood
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RED ALERT : Rico Lewis getting ready for the Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool

RED ALERT : Rico Lewis getting ready for the Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool
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SHAKER MAKER : Nathan Ake greets City youngster Josh Adam

SHAKER MAKER : Nathan Ake greets City youngster Josh Adam
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CATCH UP : Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola have a chat back on the training pitch

CATCH UP : Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola have a chat back on the training pitch
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READY TO GO : Rodri is primed for City's return on Thursday night

READY TO GO : Rodri is primed for City's return on Thursday night
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ON POINT : Pep gives his instructions as the sun goes down in Manchester

ON POINT : Pep gives his instructions as the sun goes down in Manchester
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DUTCH MASTER : Nathan Ake starred for the Netherlands as they reach the quarter-finals in Qatar

DUTCH MASTER : Nathan Ake starred for the Netherlands as they reach the quarter-finals in Qatar
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WATCHING BRIEF : Kevin De Bruyne keeps an eye on the returning John Stones

WATCHING BRIEF : Kevin De Bruyne keeps an eye on the returning John Stones
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DOWN TO BUSINESS : After catching up with team-mates, Phil Foden gets stuck into training

DOWN TO BUSINESS : After catching up with team-mates, Phil Foden gets stuck into training
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DREAM TEAM : City stars get ready for a return to action

DREAM TEAM : City stars get ready for a return to action