Manchester City duo return to training ahead of Newcastle United clash

Pep Guardiola has been handed a double injury boost.

Manchester City travel to St James' Park on Sunday, with the Champions looking to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Victories against West Ham United and Bournemouth have left the Sky Blues sitting top of the Premier League table, having scored six goals and conceded none so far.

Guardiola's side have opened up a four point lead over rivals Liverpool, while local rivals Manchester United have lost their opening two matches.

City face an unbeaten and resurgent Newcastle United on Sunday, with Eddie Howe's squad looking to improve on a stellar end to the previous campaign.

The Magpies have lost their previous six matches against the Champions by an aggregate score of 22-3, most recently losing 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in May.

Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden were all on the scoresheet during the back end of last term.

After thrashing newly promoted Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Guardiola's first-team squad have returned to training ahead of Sunday's trip to Tyneside.

The Champions have been handed a significant boost ahead of the fixture, with two City stars pictured returning to training.

Kalvin Phillips and Cole Palmer missed Saturday's win over the Cherries due to minor injuries, however the English duo have been pictured taking part in Wednesday’s training session.

Phillips completed a £42 million move from Leeds United earlier this summer, and made his Manchester City debut from the bench at the London Stadium almost two weeks ago.

The England midfielder replaces Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium, after the veteran midfielder departed the club after almost a decade.

Injury massively impacted Cole Palmer's 2021/22 campaign, making his first competitive appearance since January during the win over West Ham on the opening weekend of the season.

The pair were both pictured in training on Wednesday, as City prepare for Sunday's meeting with Newcastle.

The Blues travel to Spain after Sunday's Premier League match, with a charity friendly against Barcelona scheduled to take place at the Camp Nou on Wednesday 24th August.

Phillips and Palmer's return will be of delight to the City manager, as the Blues also prepare for the return of the UEFA Champions League next month.