Manchester City has been handed a significant boost as they prepare to face Juventus in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Key players Phil Foden and Mateo Kovačić have returned to training after recent absences, raising hopes for their availability in the crucial tie in Turin.

Kovačić has been sidelined since the international break due to an injury, while Foden has missed City’s last two matches because of illness. Both players resumed training on Tuesday morning, offering a timely lift for Pep Guardiola’s side. Later in the day, they joined the rest of the squad on the flight to Italy.

At his pre-match press conference, Guardiola tempered expectations about their involvement in the game, indicating that neither player is likely to feature significantly. “I don’t think so. Maybe a few minutes for Kova, but I don’t think so,” Guardiola remarked. “But it’s nice to have them here with the team, in the training sessions, and to travel with us.”