Manchester City pair depart national team camp after first international friendly

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are welcoming back their players from international duty this week, as Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva have returned from Portugal’s camp.

Portugal secured a 5-2 victory against Sweden in their latest friendly match, with Manchester City players playing a key role in the win. Matheus Nunes scored a goal assisted by Bernardo Silva, who looks to have made his final contribution to the national team before the upcoming European Championships.

Following the victory, eight players from Roberto Martinez’s squad, including Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva, will now take an extended break before rejoining their club teams next week, as reported by B24.

Nélson Semedo, Toti Gomes, Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão, and Gonçalo Ramos have also been granted early exits from the national team, as Martinez had initially called up 32 players with plans to release a significant portion before their next friendly against Slovenia.

Several Manchester City players will be in action on Friday for their respective national teams, including Rico Lewis for England’s under-21s and later Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, and Rodrigo in international friendlies preparing for the upcoming major tournaments.

Argentina, Belgium, England, Switzerland, and Croatia will all have games on Saturday, while Manchester City players are expected to return to the club starting next Wednesday in preparation for the Premier League match against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.