City boss Pep Guardiola provides a fitness update on Bacary Sagna, Fabian Delph and Vincent Kompany ahead of Saturday’s game against Middlesbrough.
Sagna suffered a hamstring tear playing for France against Bulgaria last month and has been out of action for four weeks, missing eight games in the process.
But Guardiola says he is nearing a return to full fitness, as is Fabian Delph, who hasn’t played since scoring the winner against Steaua Bucharest back in August.
“Fabian, after the operation in Barcelona with Ramon Cugat, is going really, really well,” Guardiola confirmed. “When I spoke with him and the doctor they say there is no pain now. He is happy. But he is still out and training alone.
“And Bacary is getting better. I think after the international break he will be fit.
“Fortunately, we have a marvellous medical and physio department. We have 21, 22 players available, so that is fantastic in a period when there are [normally] a lot of injuries.”
Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany’s recovery from two years of muscle problems is continuing.
He has made three appearances in recent weeks and has trained regularly with the first team without suffering an adverse reaction – but is yet to complete a full 90 minutes this season.
Asked if the Belgian could be ready to play a full game, Guardiola suggested it was possible.
“Yeah, maybe,” he said. “I have to think this afternoon about my team, speak to the physios about their physical conditions.”
Guardiola also gave an update on Yaya Toure.
“I spoke with Yaya today, so of course it’s a private conversation,” he said.
“I know what happened and of course it’s so important for Manchester City and that’s the most important thing. And for Yaya who I appreciate and know him from a long time ago.
“Yaya has been in all our meetings and all our training sessions, you know the situation, nothing changed.
“I spoke with him, it’s good, that’s all. We now focus on Middlesbrough.”
