Triple defensive boost for Blues Pep Guardiola has been handed a triple bonus ahead of a crucial stage of the campaign.

Skipper Vincent Kompany, Benjamin Mendy and Eliaquim Mangala all returned to training on Monday afternoon after several weeks on the sidelines.

Kompany has been absent since the 2-1 win over Liverpool last month, while Mendy has made just one start in three months after a knee injury.

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WELCOME BACK : Vincent and Eliaquim join their team-mates after lengthy lay-offs
WELCOME BACK : Vincent and Eliaquim join their team-mates after lengthy lay-offs

Mangala hasn’t played senior football since sustaining injury while on loan with Everton a year and one week ago.

All three trained together with the rest of the squad this afternoon, though it’s likely to be a week or so before they are available for selection given their various length of absence.

With huge Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup ties coming up for the Premier League leaders, the trio’s return couldn’t be better times.

With 11 league games remaining for the defending champions, the City boss will want as many fit bodies as possible in the three months of the campaign that remain.