Manchester City prepare for Arsenal clash by training at Napoli's Stadio San Paolo after delaying return to England

Manchester City trained at Napoli's Stadio San Paolo on Thursday as Pep Guardiola's men returned to the scene of their 4-2 Champions League win from the night before.

Away sides are often granted permission to train at their host's stadium before European fixtures, but it is slightly unusual for them to use their facilities afterwards.

Guardiola decided that staying in Italy and having a light session there before heading back to England later on Thursday would be the best way for his team to prepare for Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Manchester City stayed in Italy to train at the Stadio San Paolo a day after beating Napoli 4-2

Manchester City stayed in Italy to train at the Stadio San Paolo a day after beating Napoli 4-2

Pep Guardiola allowed several key first-team players to sit out of Thursday's session in Naples

Pep Guardiola allowed several key first-team players to sit out of Thursday's session in Naples

But Kyle Walker, who was an unused substitute in City's Champions League win, trained

But Kyle Walker, who was an unused substitute in City's Champions League win, trained

Second-half subs Gabriel Jesus (top right) and David Silva (bottom right) trained too

Second-half subs Gabriel Jesus (top right) and David Silva (bottom right) trained too

Jesus was only on the pitch for five minutes on Wednesday so could start against Arsenal next

Jesus was only on the pitch for five minutes on Wednesday so could start against Arsenal next

Many of City's stars who played against Napoli sat the session out but the likes of Kyle Walker, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Gabriel Jesus were put through their paces.


Walker did not feature on Wednesday night as he was rested in anticipation of the Arsenal game, while Silva and Jesus both started on the bench and made short cameos in the second half.

Youngsters Tosin Adarabioyo and Arijanet Muric joined in with training after travelling to Italy but failing to make the squad against Napoli.

City's win - sealed by goals from Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling - saw the Manchester outfit book their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League.

The Premier League leaders can now afford to focus fully on domestic issues for the remainder of the year.

A win against Arsenal on Sunday would see City open up an eight-point lead over Manchester United, who visit Chelsea later that afternoon.

The Gunners should not be taken lightly though as City have only beaten them once in their last nine attempts.

Midfielder Yaya Toure looked relaxed as he strolled onto the field for Thursday's light workout

Midfielder Yaya Toure looked relaxed as he strolled onto the field for Thursday's light workout

Toure, who has played twice in the Premier League this season, was seen jogging in Naples

Toure, who has played twice in the Premier League this season, was seen jogging in Naples

The 34-year-old Ivorian icon seemed in good spirits as he shared a joke with his team-mates

The 34-year-old Ivorian icon seemed in good spirits as he shared a joke with his team-mates

The session was a fairly low-key affair and none of the players were worked particularly hard 

The session was a fairly low-key affair and none of the players were worked particularly hard 

Twenty-year-old centre back Tosin Adarabioyo trained with some of his senior team-mates

Twenty-year-old centre back Tosin Adarabioyo trained with some of his senior team-mates

Teenage goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who has yet to make his debut for City, also took part

Teenage goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, who has yet to make his debut for City, also took part