Manchester City have received some much-needed positive injury news this week, as captain Fernandinho resumed training.
Fernandinho has been out since his late injury in the Champions League win over Porto, with Rodri playing every game of the season without the experienced Brazilian to rotate with.
Now, Fernandinho has returned to the training pitch at the City Football Academy as he stepped up his rehabilitation from that leg injury.
City posted some pictures of Fernandinho training in the sun, confirming Fernandinho was training in isolation, as he begins 'the first stages of his planned rehabilitation process.'
That might mean he is unlikely to be back as soon as next weekend's trip to Tottenham, but his return to the CFA is undoubtedly positive news. Now, only Sergio Aguero and Benjamin Mendy remain out.
However, Fernandinho's return could offer City another option in defence, as Nathan Ake added to the injury list by suffering a hamstring injury while on international duty with the Netherlands this week.
Ake has returned to City for the injury to be assessed, and while there is no timeframe for how long he may be out, Fernandinho could give Pep Guardiola more cover for the two centre-back spots with 13 fixtures in 42 days between the Tottenham game and the first game of the new year.
Guardiola had previously declared that Fernandinho would no longer be needed to deputise in defence, as he did for much of last season. However, Ake's injury may change that stance, despite John Stones and Eric Garcia also being available to Guardiola.
Elsewhere, City picked up no further injury concerns in Thursday night's international fixtures, as Phil Foden made a successful return to the England side from the bench against the Republic of Ireland. Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling got much-needed rests from that squad ahead of England's Nations League double-header this weekend.
Riyad Mahrez played and scored for Algeria, while Zack Steffen captained the USA in their 0-0 draw against Wales. Brazil manager Tite has also confirmed that Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will start their World Cup qualifier vs Venezuela on Saturday morning (UK time).
