Three of Pep Guardiola’s first-team players returned to Manchester City training this week, giving him a triple fitness boost.

The Belgian international’s return to the Manchester City matchday squad over the weekend gave the manager hope after he had to manage much of the current season without the services of his top playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne did not participate in the match, even though he was listed as a substitute for Saturday afternoon’s visit from Sheffield United. However, his coach stated that it would not be long until he was back on the pitch.

Two of his offensive partners have now joined the 32-year-old, in a situation that is sure to thrill Manchester City supporters ahead of a pivotal period of the season in all competitions.

Photographs obtained by ManCity.com show that superstar striker Kevin De Bruyne, along with fellow countryman Jeremy Doku, started his journey towards a full recovery by participating in first-team training at the City Football Academy.

The FA Cup will return to Manchester City next, and after winning it in 2019 and 2023, Pep Guardiola and his team will be looking to win it again under the Catalan coach.

At the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, City will play Championship team Huddersfield Town. On Friday afternoon, Pep Guardiola updated the media on the fitness of his whole squad prior to the match.

The entire collection of pictures from Wednesday night’s first-team practice including Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Erling Haaland is posted below: