Four youngsters called up to 14-man Man City squad and more things spotted on pre-season return

Monday saw the first cohort of players return to the City Football Academy for pre-season training, as Pep Guardiola plots Manchester City's latest Premier League title defence - in what could be his final season at the Etihad.

Just 12 hours after Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final to crown Rodri a European Champion (again), and even less time since Julian Alvarez added another Copa America to his ridiculous collection of trophies, City teammates were reporting back for medical tests.

Those players not on international duty over the summer were present, plus some returning loanees and a handful of young players. MEN Sport reported on Monday that the majority of City's Euro 2024 representatives will not take part in the four pre-season fixtures in the USA in the coming weeks as Guardiola opts to give them as much rest as possible. Only Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic - knocked out in the group stages with Croatia - are likely to fly out and play some part.

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These are the things we spotted from City's first day back at training:

With a depleted squad, Erling Haaland is the most high profile name returning, with Norway having not qualified for the Euros. His disappointment is City's gain, though, with a well-rested striker ready for a season that could reach 80 games for City in the next 12 months.

The forward posted a video of himself meditating in the middle of a river on the eve of his return, showing his relaxed state, and he has been quiet on social media over the summer as he has spent time holidaying with friends and family. On his return