Benjamin Mendy could make his first Manchester City appearance at Bournemouth on Saturday.

The French full-back, signed this summer from Monaco, had been suffering from a thigh injury prior to joining City, delaying his first-team involvement with the Blues. 

But he returned to full training last week as he stepped up his recovery and could be involved for the game against Eddie Howe’s side. 

Pep Guardiola confirmed he will be part of the travelling squad - and hinted he could make his debut, given Kyle Walker’s suspension is likely to see Danilo play at right-back.

“Mendy is travelling with us,” he said.

“I don’t know if he will play, but he is travelling with us because Kyle cannot play.

“I think Danilo is going to play there [at right-back].”

The boss also gave an update on Ilkay Gundogan’s recovery.

The German midfielder has been out with a knee injury since Novemeber – but played 20 minutes of City’s recent friendly with Girona as he bids to make his long-awaited comeback.

Guardiola confirmed he will play in Friday night’s EDS game against Leicester as he looks to return to full match fitness.

“Gundo is going to play with the second team today to improve his rhythm,” he said. “He’s much, much better.”