Ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Villarreal, Manchester City 24-man squad took part in Monday’s open training session at the City Football Academy.
Pep Guardiola’s men head into matchday three unbeaten in the competition, but not without a few challenges along the way.
The Sky Blues are yet to hit full stride in the new league phase format — one that tested their resolve during last season’s debut campaign. Still, City’s recent form across all competitions has been nothing short of impressive.
After a solid start in September, the Manchester side have gone eight games without defeat, producing dominant performances against domestic rivals Manchester United and Brentford.
Guardiola, who has consistently emphasized the importance of momentum during busy European stretches, appeared in good spirits as his squad completed their final training session before flying out to Spain.
Guardiola’s aquad in fine form but missing key men
City began their Champions League journey with a commanding win on matchday one, brushing aside 10-man Napoli 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku were both on the scoresheet, though the evening was slightly overshadowed by Kevin De Bruyne’s premature exit due to a knock in the first half.
Their second group-stage match proved more testing. A trip to the south of France saw Haaland at his clinical best once again, scoring twice against AS Monaco.
However, City were denied a perfect start after Eric Dier equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Despite the shared points, Guardiola praised his players for their “mentality and control” in a challenging away fixture.
That result left City comfortably placed heading into matchday three, and the manager has opted to keep his preparations focused and intense.
Monday’s training saw several first-team stars in action, with Guardiola’s options across the pitch looking strong despite a few absentees.
The Manchester City 24-man squad training group included:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, Stefan Ortega Moreno, Marcus Bettinelli.
Defenders: Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Midfielders: Kalvin Phillips, Nico Gonzalez, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden.
Forwards: Oscar Bobb, Savinho, Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku.
While the depth of the squad was evident in training, Guardiola continues to manage a couple of injuries that could affect his team selection.
Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov remains unavailable this week as he recovers from a fitness setback. The young centre-back faces a race against time to be ready for the weekend’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa. Club sources suggest City may opt for caution, prioritising his long-term health over a rushed comeback.
In midfield, Rodri’s absence remains the most significant. The Spanish international, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, is currently nursing a hamstring problem.
Guardiola has reportedly decided not to accelerate his return, trusting the 29-year-old to recover at his own pace.
City poised for another European charge after last season disappointment
City’s record since September speaks volumes about their consistency. Eight consecutive unbeaten games have reinforced their confidence both domestically and in Europe.
With players such as Haaland, Foden, and Doku in top form, Guardiola’s side look poised to maintain their momentum heading into a demanding run of fixtures.
Erling Haaland, who has already scored three times in this season’s Champions League, trained with visible intensity, leading the forward line alongside Doku and Savinho.
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The Norwegian striker remains the team’s focal point, and his recent performances underline why many still regard City as the tournament’s team to beat.
The return of John Stones and Rayan Aït-Nouri has also boosted Guardiola’s defensive options, providing more stability at the back after an injury-hit start to the campaign. Their presence could be crucial against Villarreal, a side known for their compact defending and counter-attacking style.
