Preparation on full swing for Champions League semi-final

However, Pep did confirm that John Stones would not be fit to face the newly-crowned Spanish champions.

Addressing the media at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, the City boss revealed Walker would continue to be carefully monitored between now and Wednesday before he makes a final decision on his availability.

"Kyle trained today and he will travel," Guardiola confirmed.

"Tomorrow we will decide - he is three weeks without training but we are happy he is back. We will decide tomorrow.

"Yeah definitely (we have better options at right-back with Joao Cancelo also available after suspension)." And asked if Stones was fit to play, the boss responded: "No. He is not fit."

Looking ahead to what promises to be another compelling evening following last week’s seven goal thriller, the boss said he was anticipating a similarly engrossing match.

"We are two good teams. We saw it a week ago when we played. They are champions of Spain. We are trying to be champions," the City boss added.

"Both teams are good. I said a week ago we want to win and try and be in another final, for the second year in a row.

"(But there is) no guarantee the same guys will play the same way. I don't know what will happen tomorrow. We will try and win the game with the best XI possible."

Real Madrid's boss Carlo Ancelotti gave an online press conference following the final training session in the build-up to the encounter between Real Madrid and Manchester City and he previewed the game in the following terms: "The team is in good shape, motivated and focused. We face a big challenge and it's a great opportunity to reach another Champions League final. There's a good vibe, we're aware of how tough it’ll be tomorrow night, but are feeling very confident because the tie is wide open. We're currently at a slight disadvantage and want to put that right."

In the meantime, a positive result tonight for Liverpool in the now-running encounter with Villarreal would give the Reds' Manager a great opportunity to add a second Champions League winners' medal to his collection.