Manchester City and England fans will be buoyed by the latest update provided by Pep Guardiola on the respective recoveries of Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips this week.
The City duo have been absent from the first-team squad for a number of weeks now following surgery on problem injuries during the early stages of the season.
Kyle Walker went under the knife over a groin problem sustained in the Manchester derby, that saw the right-back withdrawn from the 6-3 win prior to the half-time interval.
A decision was made by the player to undergo surgery as soon as possible, in the hope of increasing his chances of recovering in time for the World Cup in Qatar.
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As for Kalvin Phillips, the former Leeds United midfielder had an operation on a shoulder problem, that has been persistent during his short time so far with Manchester City, and during a large share of his career at Elland Road.
In a huge boost for the defensive midfielder, Phillips has already returned to the grass, and has been undertaking individual training over the last few weeks.
However, the 26 year-old has stayed clear of contact training with the rest of the first-team to avoid unnecessary collisions that could aggravate the recovery process of his shoulder.
This week, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an encouraging update on the pair.
Speaking ahead of City's final Champions League group stage game against Sevilla on Wednesday night, Guardiola told reporters on Kalvin Phillips, "He's doing partial training session with the team, not contact yet.
He continued, "We'll see his evolution. I know how important is the World Cup but I don't use a player I don't think is ready.
"I feel the games will be tight. At the end of the season, lots of things are involved."
On a potential game for the England midfielder to return, Guardiola said, "I don't think (he will be available) against Fulham, just for the quality of the opponent, even Brentford in the first-half.
"Will be tight, so we evaluate the conditions."
On the subject of Kyle Walker, and where the defender is at in terms of his recovery, Guardiola said, "I'm impressed with how quick his recovery is, but still a bit late compared to Kalvin."
Perhaps the most crucial update in relation to the World Cup was when Pep Guardiola was asked to give his assessment on whether the pair are in line to make a return in time for the flight to Qatar with Gareth Southgate's squad.
The Manchester City manager said, "It's likely (they can be ready for the World Cup), the way they recover.
"I don't know the intentions of Gareth (Southgate). He spoke with them regularly. They know better than me."
He continued, "What I hear in the dressing rooms is that they can be ready. You don't play a World Cup every week."
Manchester City take on Sevilla in the final Group G game of the season, knowing that their place in the last-16 and top spot in the table is already secured.
Topics: Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Football, England, Manchester City
Freddie Pye