Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted Kevin De Bruyne may return to the team for their crunch clash with leaders Liverpool on Thursday.
The Belgian international missed Sunday’s 3-1 win at Southampton with a muscle injury, but Guardiola has said the 27-year-old will be assessed before what is a huge meeting between the title rivals at The Etihad.
“He trained today,” Guardiola told his pre-match press conference.
“But tomorrow we need another check in the morning, but he is much better.”
Ilkay Gundogan could also return after he missed the win at St Mary’s, though Fabian Delph remains suspended following his red card at Leicester City on Boxing Day.
Man City currently sit in third and trail unbeaten Liverpool by seven points ahead of the fixture, and Guardiola will be hoping De Bruyne is fit enough to feature as they look to close the gap.
The champions won the corresponding league fixture 5-0 last season, aided by Sadio Mane’s first-half red card, though that is City’s only win against Thursday opponents in their previous eight in all competitions.