He's back, the Manchester City star who is back in training

Manchester City left behind a run of results in the cold of the English Premier League to find some sun in the middle of winter in Saudi Arabia and the warm glow of having Kevin De Bruyne back in training on Monday.

The outstanding Belgian player participated in light practice on the Jeddah field where the European champion will debut in the Club World Cup on Tuesday, in the semifinals against the Red Diamonds of Urawa, a team from Japan. The change of scenery could be timely after City gave up more late goals and dropped more points in the league on Saturday after drawing 2-2 at home to Crystal Palace.

De Bruyne's Premier League season was cut short after just 20 minutes in August when he aggravated a hamstring injury that also took him out of the Champions League final early. That victory over Inter Milan gave City the ticket to travel to Saudi Arabia.

"It's a pleasure to be here, an honour," coach Pep Guardiola said on Monday at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium before De Bruyne's surprise on a pleasant 25 degree C afternoon. "We want to take it as a privilege," he admitted. . "You had to do something exceptional in the past, that's why you're here."

City for world glory

Looking to respect the latest edition of the FIFA event in its seven-team format, the City manager said the club should treat its debut in the tournament as a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity. The European champions have won 15 of the past 16 editions of FIFA's continental tournament, with Corinthians defeating Chelsea in the 2012 final, but Guardiola dismissed suggestions it is not a tough enough test.