Abdukodir Khusanov is expected to travel after enjoying four weeks of rest following his group-stage exit. He should be joined by Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Antoine Semenyo.
Those five players were eliminated in the last-32 stage in early July and have also had four weeks away from club duty. Their timing matters. Maresca can involve them across the full tour instead of easing them into the squad after the opening fixture.
The picture remains incomplete. Ruben Dias and Omar Marmoush may link up with the group for part of the trip, while players whose countries advanced deep into the tournament are not expected to arrive in time.
That list includes Rayan Cherki, Rodri, James Trafford, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson. Their absence limits Maresca’s time with several senior options during his first summer in charge, particularly in central midfield and defence.
There is at least an established starting point. Phil Foden, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nico Gonzalez are available from the beginning of pre-season, giving City experience around which to build.
The tour begins in Hong Kong with Inter on 1 August, before matches against a K-League XI and Atletico Madrid in Korea. The opening result will matter less than the combinations Maresca can establish with an evolving squad.
By the Atletico fixture, City should have clearer evidence of the manager’s preferred structure and which returning players can adapt quickest.