Man City hopefuls and Pep Guardiola outcasts to meet Enzo Maresca

Given the World Cup has only just finished though, most will not be back in Manchester until later in the summer. That leaves Maresca with an intriguing group that will all have a point to prove, including a number of stars that were cast aside by Pep Guardiola during his time at the Etihad.

Rico Lewis, Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, and Nico Gonzalez are among those who could move on but will be reporting back this week. Grealish may not take part in training depending on the severity of the injury that cut his loan at Everton short last season, but he is making progress as he looks to return to full fitness.

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

Savinho was close to joining Tottenham last year and that interest has been reignited, yet he also is a City player until he is not and was not at the World Cup. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Phil Foden will be looking to put their recent disappointments behind them and star for club and country again.

Pierce Charles and Mathys Detourbet have both gone straight out on loan after signing permanent deals with City and Elliot Anderson has been with the England squad, but new signing Jeremy Monga will be a fresh face for the squad. The exciting youngster knows Maresca already, having come through at Leicester where the manager spent a year in charge.

Adding to the squad will be a number of hopeful youngsters, some returning from loans and others without as much senior experience who are all hoping for a chance to shine. Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis could force his way into Maresca's plans for the season, while Claudio Echeverri disappointed last year with two difficult loans.

Max Alleyne was recalled from his time at Watford to help Guardiola out of a crisis and will be with City until another loan is agreed, while goalkeeper Oli Whatmuff will work with City this month despite having already sorted a loan move to Stockport. Teenage winger Ryan McAidoo is among the academy players that should be given a chance to shine in pre-season.

Abdukodir Khusanov could be back this week given Uzbekistan were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage, and there will be several stars who were in the United States that will head out with City on their Asia tour. The Blues fly out next Tuesday on July 28 for three friendlies before returning to prepare for the Community Shield against Arsenal.