Six Man City youngsters in training but John Stones missing before Manchester United fixture

John Stones was missing from Manchester City training on Thursday ahead of the derby with Manchester United on Sunday. Stones was substituted during England's Nations League draw with Germany on Monday after appearing to feel his hamstring - something England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed after the game.

And Stones was absent as City's internationals returned to the City Football Academy to turn their attention to the United game this weekend, although there was another boost as Aymeric Laporte was among the group training.

In footage from Sky Sports News, most first-team players were present, including Laporte who is yet to feature this season after undergoing surgery in the summer. He has been easing his way back into training in recent weeks, and Pep Guardiola has said he should be back available in October.

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Aside from Stones' absence, players like Nathan Ake, Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland were all present, as was Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji. While the footage did not show the full training group, the other players spotted training were Ruben Dias, Rodri, Riyad Mahrez, Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Julian Alvarez and Jack Grealish.

Also in training were six youth team players, including the familiar faces of Rico Lewis and Josh Wilson-Esbrand, who are providing back-up for the full-back positions this season.

Midfielder Nico O'Reilly, defenders Max Alleyne and Tomas Galvez, and forward Joel Ndala all appeared to be among the first team training group on Thursday, too.

Kalvin Phillips, who has had surgery on his shoulder, was also missing from the group. Guardiola will give a team news update on Friday when he faces the media