Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones both trained with Manchester City on Monday ahead of their weekend game with Crystal Palace.
De Bruyne , the team's outstanding creative force this season, missed the games with Dinamo Zagreb and Wolves before the break with a groin strain and in his absence the Blues have struggled in front of goal; they couldn't take a number of opportunities in the Champions League and then, more worryingly, were unable to produce them in the Premier League.
Stones has been absent since the 3-2 defeat to Norwich last month, contributing to the defensive woes that the team have suffered. With Nicolas Otamendi criticised again after the Wolves game - despite Pep Guardiola's defence - the return of Stones gives the manager another option as he looks to stop his backline from leaking.
Stones and De Bruyne will hope to prove their fitness with a full week of training before the Blues travel down to Selhurst Park for their game on Saturday teatime.
City fans will also have been pleased to see Sergio Aguero looking happy and healthy. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni sparked scares when he said the striker was carrying a problem, but it shouldn't be a concern for the club.
Benjamin Mendy was not pictured with the squad on Monday. He missed the Wolves game with a hamstring problem but was expected to be in contention for the first game after the international break. Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte remain long-term absentees.
