Leroy Sane has been backed to be a key player for Manchester City when the Premier League returns because of what he can offer to the team.
The speedy winger has not played a single minute for the Blues this season since suffering a serious injury early on in the Community Shield win over Liverpool in August, and there are considerable doubts over his future beyond the summer as the player enters the final 12 months of his contract. Bayern Munich are again interested in signing him and a deal is looking likely as long as a fee can be agreed on by the clubs.
However, in the meantime Sane is expected to be in contention for a starting place when fixtures resume on Wednesday as Pep Guardiola's side look to consolidate second spot in the league and push for glory in the FA Cup and Champions League.
Despite the wealth of talent in the City squad, Sane has been picked out for his unique qualities.
"I think he's been a big miss for Manchester City you see [Raheem] Sterling coming in off the lines from one side, you've seen Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva out in those wide areas but what Leroy Sane gives you is that pace, that power, that direction," former City midfielder Michael Brown told Sky Sports.
"He wants to push it past the full-back and get in the wide areas getting crosses in so he's certainly been missed. I think he'll be key for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola to give them another option in forward areas."
