Kevin De Bruyne could return for Manchester City sooner than expected after Pep Guardiola revealed the midfielder is progressing well with his recovery from surgery on a hamstring problem.
The Belgian was expected to be out for around four months after going under the knife when he aggravated the problem on the opening weekend of the Premier League season at Turf Moor.
But he could return earlier as he continues to focus on his rehabilitation, while Guardiola said the 32-year-old was still a regular presence around the Etihad Campus.
De Bruyne is part of City's leadership group and although he reports at different times to the rest of the squad for treatment, he has been in the dressing room and still speaks regularly to Guardiola. ALSO READ: City to step up talks with Haaland over new deal ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola press conference as it happened "[He] comes in different timing, before training for his treatment, or after the training.