Leroy Sane will resume full training with Manchester City next week.
The Germany international has stepped up his recovery from knee ligament damage this month.
He has already started sprinting and ball work – and has shown no ill-effects as he continues his road to recovery.
He is set to begin the final stage of his recuperation when joining up with the rest of his teammates.
Sane has been out since August and his imminent return is a major boost to Pep Guardiola, who is also set to welcome back Aymeric Laporte.
The centre back was also struck down with knee ligament damage and is nearing a comeback.
Guardiola said: “Leroy is still not training with us, but everything is going well. Laporte has had another week with us training.”
City face Crystal Palace on Saturday, with Guardiola attempting to offer an explanation for the 74-year-old manager’s incredible longevity.
“I think when you are training at 74 it must be boring at home,” he said. “You are with a young people, athletes, competition, that’s why it’s nice, our job. Every game is different, that’s maybe the reason why Roy and older managers are still n charge and they do it.
“I think the important thing when you retire is to know you want to do other things. If you’ve no interests and you are at home then you are going to back. But if you want to travel or do other things…
“I’m interested in doing other things and I’m going to do it.”
Man City probable XI [4-3-3]: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Aguero, Sterling
