Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling are both available for selection after the pair returned from their post-World Cup vacation in ‘perfect condition’ for Sunday’s match.

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“They are available,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Emirates. “They arrived quite well.

“Raheem and Kevin had three weeks off after the World Cup, which is not too much time (for pre-season) but they both arrived in the perfect way.

“Sterling was fit after three or four days – he is not a big guy. (Maintaining) his physical condition is easy. Kevin arrived in the perfect way.”

Arsenal received their own double boost as both Nacho Monreal and Aaron Ramsey both returned to training, although the former is likely to start on the bench with Ainsley Maitland-Niles playing at left-back.

Both players missed the final games of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations through injury. Ramsey had to pull out of the Chelsea match after he injured his calf in the warm-up

Monreal was only ever scheduled to play in the final friendly in Sweden but ended up having to miss out as well due to a small knee problem.

Ramsey is expected to be involved.

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