Ukraine's Oleksandr Zinchenko trains with Man City ahead of Sporting clash - in pictures

City manager Pep Guardiola says player 'is ready' should he be called on for Champions League last-16 second leg, in which City lead 5-0

Manchester City's Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko reacts as he attends a team training session at City Football Academy in Manchester, north west England on March 8, 2022, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match against Sporting Lisbon. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Manchester City's Phil Foden attends a team training session at City Football Academy in Manchester. AFP

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling smiles during a team training session. City hold a 5-0 advantage over their Portuguese opponents from the first leg. AFP

Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan eyes the ball. AFP

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson speaks with manager Pep Guardiola. AFP

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. AFP

Manchester City players train at City Football Academy. AFP

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva jokes with teammate Phil Foden. AFP

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaks to Phil Foden. AFP

Manchester City forward Jack Grealish. AFP

Manchester City's English defender Kyle Walker attends a team training session. AFP

Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho. AFP

Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko, right, Phil Foden and John Stones during a training session. PA

Manchester City players during a training session at the City Football Academy. PA

Manchester City's Rodri, centre, shares a joke with teammates. PA

Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

Manchester City's Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko trained alongside teammates on the eve of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Sporting.

Zinchenko has been one of the most vocal Ukrainian athletes to voice his opposition to Russia's invasion of his homeland, calling on the international community to help bring an end to "the destruction and bloodshed".

The versatile Zinchenko may be in line to start Wednesday's last-16 return leg after City manager Pep Guardiola said Tuesday he faces a defensive crisis.

City defend a 5-0 lead at the Etihad Stadium, but will be without Kyle Walker, who is suspended as he serves a three-game, and Joao Cancelo is out ill, while Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias remain on the injury list.

Guardiola said he would have no concerns about playing Oleksandr Zinchenko if he were needed, even though the Ukraine international has been badly affected by Russia's invasion of his country.

"He is ready," said the City boss. "Of course it is not an easy period for him, absolutely not, but I think he will be ready just in case he has to play."

Goalkeeper Ederson said it has been difficult to see Zinchenko suffer in recent weeks

"It is hard to see your teammate suffer," he said. "We try to give him strength but we know in these times it is difficult."