Kyle Walker, John Stones return to Manchester City training

Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones have returned to training ahead of the final game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The duo had previously been ruled out for the season by City boss Pep Guardiola, but now appear to be in contention to return for the title decider at the Etihad Stadium.

Heading into the final day one point clear of Liverpool at the summit, City require a win against Villa to retain their Premier League title, regardless of the result that Jurgen Klopp's side pick up against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.

City have struggled with numerous defensive absentees over the last few weeks, with injuries to Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias adding to the recent fitness issues with Walker and Stones.

Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho have formed a makeshift central defensive partnership having been forced to play through knocks in recent games against Wolves and West Ham United, in the absence of their fellow defenders.

However, having been pictured back in training on Thursday, Stones and Walker could provide a welcome boost to Guardiola's defensive options for the game with Villa on Sunday.