Picture Special

Gallery: Stones and Walker join in training ahead of Villa

John Stones and Kyle Walker trained with the rest of the Manchester City first team squad on Thursday morning.

The England pair were expected to be out for the remainder of the season but have joined their team-mates at the CFA ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Both players haven’t played since the Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, with Stones being withdrawn during the first half of the first leg and Walker limping off in the 72^nd minute at the Bernabeu.

Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte have started in the heart of defence in City’s last two matches, with Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko the full-backs.

Now, with Stones and Walker back in training, Pep Guardiola will be hoping to have more options available to him this weekend.

Check out the photos below to see John and Kyle being put through their paces…

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STRETCH IT OUT : Stones working with a resistance band

STRETCH IT OUT : Stones working with a resistance band
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HAPPY BLUE : Walker is delighted to be back with his team-mates

HAPPY BLUE : Walker is delighted to be back with his team-mates
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ALL SMILES : Stones fully focused on the task at hand

ALL SMILES : Stones fully focused on the task at hand
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BACK TO IT : Our England defender hasn’t played since 26 April

BACK TO IT : Our England defender hasn’t played since 26 April
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HEAD IN HANDS : Our right-back getting into the session

HEAD IN HANDS : Our right-back getting into the session
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GO GO GUNDOGAN : Ilkay warms up

GO GO GUNDOGAN : Ilkay warms up
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TOGETHER : Raheem Sterling's happy to see Stones back in action

TOGETHER : Raheem Sterling's happy to see Stones back in action
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MAN ON A MISSION : Super Kev in a happy mood

MAN ON A MISSION : Super Kev in a happy mood
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SUNSHINE BOY : 'What's that hot thing in the sky?'

SUNSHINE BOY : 'What's that hot thing in the sky?'