Manchester City’s players are set to gather as a group on Thursday for the first time since an independent commission delivered a guilty verdict regarding the club’s financial conduct. Manager Enzo Maresca is expected to address the squad during the session, which will mark the team’s return to collective training following a period largely spent on international duty.

The ruling, announced last week, found that Manchester City had artificially inflated commercial revenues by £830 million. The club has denied wrongdoing and has lodged an appeal against the verdict. Meanwhile, attention now shifts to the team’s upcoming Premier League fixture, a high-profile match against rivals Liverpool scheduled for Sunday.

Most members of the squad have been involved in international competitions over the past two weeks, limiting their ability to engage directly with one another. Only Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo remained at the club during this period, continuing training at the Etihad Stadium. Remote communication has been maintained with players abroad, but Thursday’s session will provide a rare opportunity for the full squad to regroup.

Maresca, who was seen arriving at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, faces the challenge of managing the squad’s morale amid the uncertainty surrounding the verdict and its potential consequences. Sanctions being considered range from financial penalties to possible expulsion from the Premier League, although no final decisions have been announced.

Despite the off-field turbulence, Manchester City have begun their season strongly, securing victories in their opening five league matches. How the team responds to the mounting pressure will be closely watched as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.