Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling fit to play in Manchester City opener against Arsenal

De Bruyne and Sterling were the last of City’s 16 World Cup players to report back

Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, expects to be able to call on both Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling against Arsenal on Sunday.

De Bruyne and Sterling were the last of City’s 16 World Cup players to report back from their close-season breaks, returning to training on Monday.

Neither were expected to be available for Sunday’s game, which sees City embark on their defence of the Premier League title.

Guardiola, however, revealed on Friday that both De Bruyne and Sterling had returned in excellent physical condition and would be part of the squad to face Arsenal.

"They are available,” he said. “Raheem and Kevin arrived quite well. Three weeks off is not too much time after the World Cup and both arrived in the perfect way.

“Sterling was fit in four or five days. He's not a big guy who needs training - he's sharp so it's easy.

“Kevin arrived in the perfect way. He's going to be a father for the second time, he must look after his wife - that's why he came back in a perfect way."