Manchester City's first team stars appeared to be in a playful mood during Tuesday's training session ahead of their European showdown with Barcelona. Eliaquim Mangala was the butt of the jokes at Manchester City's training ground as he feigned an ankle injury following a tackle by Vincent Kompany before sharing a joke with his team-mates. Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping his stars are fully fit and raring to go as they face a tough task of trying to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat against the Catalan giants. Manchester City centre back Eliaquim Mangala rolls around on the floor following a challenge by team-mate Vincent Kompany . France centre back Mangala is helped up to his feet following the challenge by Manchester City's captain . Mangala rolls on the floor while his team-mates - including Kompany - decide not to take any notice of the former Porto defender . The 24-year-old was an unused substitute during Manchester City's surprise defeat at the hands of Premier League strugglers Burnley . The City boss, who said earlier this month that his position will not be under threat even if his side are eliminated from Europe and fail to win the Barclays Premier League, held a meeting with his players on the training pitch before the session. Manchester City must score at least two goals at the Nou Camp if they are to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. One man who believes they can do just that is right back Pablo Zabaleta - despite the Argentina international admitting Barcelona are 'one of the best teams in the world'. 'We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world. It's not going to be easy, but nothing is impossible in football,' Zabaleta told Four Four Two. 'You have to be ready for these moments. Things can change on games like this. 'You just have to move on to the next game and try to win it. That's what football is. 'It's good that the game [comes after] just three days. We need to recover well, go to Barcelona and see what we can do. Hopefully we can do it.' Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, who will come up against his former side at the Nou Camp, shares a joke with Mangala . Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini addresses his players during Tuesday's training session ahead of their trip to Barcelona . Pellegrini insists his position at Manchester City is not under threat despite facing the possibility of not winning a major honour this season . Manchester City duo Gael Clichy and James Milner are all smiles as they go for a gentle jog during the training session . Wilfried Bony will be hoping to start against Barcelona after making a cameo appearance during City's 1-0 defeat by Burnley . Manchester City right back Pablo Zabaleta insists his side are capable of coming back from 2-1 down to eliminate Barcelona . Frank Lampard could play his final Champions League match if Manchester City are knocked out by Catalan giants Barcelona . Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart is put through his paces ahead of his battle with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez .
Manchester City centre back Eliaquim Mangala appeared to exaggerate a knock during Tuesday's training session . Mangala was pictured rolling around on the floor while his team-mates laughed at the Frenchman's antics . Manuel Pellegrini's side face Barcelona in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League encounter . Pablo Zabaleta believes his side can progress to the next round despite going up against 'one of the best teams'
Click here to find out who Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has included in his world XI .