Manchester City sweating on fitness of David Silva as Pep Guardiola admits he is a 'real doubt'... but Sergio Aguero should return in time for derby clash

• e-mail

Manchester City are sweating on David Silva's fitness ahead of Thursday's crunch derby, but Sergio Aguero should be ready.

Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that the pair reported for training 24 hours after being forced off during the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola described Aguero as 'much better' but revealed Silva remains a 'real doubt' before Jose Mourinho's Manchester United arrive at the Etihad Stadium.

David Silva winces in pain on the Wembley turf after picking up an injury against Arsenal

Silva and Sergio Aguero (pictured) returned to training shortly after and the latter is fully fit

Gabriel Jesus, pictured with Fernando, is also back in training after recovering from injury

Raheem Sterling holds onto possession under pressure from Yaya Toure during training

'I don't know whether Silva's ready to play,' Guardiola said. 'Gabriel Jesus has no pain at all, so is ready, but three months out means his condition is not optimal.

'Sergio is much better. Today he played a part and tomorrow he will be ready. United are a good rival with good quality, in good form. We're looking forward to it.

'Gabriel and Sergio can play together, it depends how you want to play. If you want to play with wingers wide it's more complicated. If you are narrow they can play together.'

Silva's continued importance to City was obvious after he departed Wembley and he will be afforded the opportunity to prove his fitness on Wednesday afternoon.

Silva, meanwhile, is a real doubt for the visit of Manchester United according to Pep Guardiola

Guardiola says Gabriel Jesus is also back fit but lacking match fitness ahead of a huge derby

Leroy Sane (second right) tries to close down possession during a drill on Wednesday

Vincent Kompany shares a laugh with a team-mate as he trains at the Etihad Campus

Guardiola - who claimed he has not bumped into Mourinho in Manchester city centre this season, despite the old foes being neighbours - warned against complacency in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

'They have been playing without him but are playing the way Jose wants,' the Catalan added. 'They win duels and it'll be a very difficult game.

'Ibra is an excellent player but they have great forwards like (Jesse) Lingard, (Ashley) Young and (Marcus) Rashford who find the spaces as well.

'We have six games left, four of those at the Etihad, so our Champions League qualification depends at home.'

Kelechi Iheanacho waves at the camera as he walks alongside team-mate Bacary Sagna

Under-fire goalkeeper Claudio Bravo makes his way out onto the training pitches at City