‘Oh wow’, ‘What a relief’, ‘title secured’ – Many fans react as Man City handed ‘huge’ boost as defenders return to training ahead of Aston Villa Clash

Manchester City was handed a fitness boost on Thursday after John Stones and Kyle Walker were involved in team training ahead of the game against Aston Villa.

The Blues have suffered a defensive crisis in recent weeks with Stones, Walker, and Ruben Dias sidelined due to various issues – resulting in Fernandinho having to step into the role at a crucial time and Oleksandr Zinchenko having to almost come out of the cold during the most intense part of the season.

Pep Guardiola had ruled the pair, along with fellow defender Ruben Dias, out for the rest of the season following injuries picked up in the final stretch of the season.

The Manchester City defensive duo have been pictured taking part in training this afternoon ahead of the must-win Premier League final day clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Whether they will be fit to start on Sunday remains unknown but nevertheless, it’s a double boost for the return of the two right-sided defensive pillars to training provides much needed defensive relief for the Blues.

Guardiola has seen his side ship three goals in their last two games as central midfielder Fernandinho partnered Aymeric Laporte – including two at West Ham where the Blues dropped two points to add to the excitement of the Premier League title race.

City’s manager will be asked about the pair in his pre-match press conference on Friday, although it is unlikely that any final decision will be made on the pair until closer to Sunday afternoon.

The news was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Oh wow. That’s big.”
Credit: @goatersmotors

“Huge boost 😍.”
Credit: @ftblmcyousef

“title secured 🤝.”
Credit: @CanceloBall_

“Best news I’ve heard ever… What a relief”
Credit: @Bluemoonrisin9

“I’m crying happy tears if any of them start.”
Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“Praying at least one of them is fit enough to start 🤲.”
Credit: @CrustyFlacko

“Walker Stones Laporte Cancelo.
HERE WE GO!!!.”
Credit: @stillgroot

“If Walker is fit….City win the league.”
Credit: @Dr_Ing_Marcel

“Best news so far. I am so scared of our defense in the absence either Walker, Dias or Stones..”
Credit: @OkerekeFranci10

“That will be a good news for cityzens…at least we will be sure our defence is now fit and strong 💙.”
Credit: @Tunchi2000