Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been given the "all clear" ahead of the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea later this month.
The Germany international, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund back in June 2016, handed City boss Pep Guardiola a major injury scare during last night's 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium when he was forced to limp off through injury just 11 minutes into the start of the second half.
Considering City had already lost Joao Cancelo to a red card, and were without the likes of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero due to fitness issues, it was proving to be a difficult evening for Guardiola.
Addressing Gundogan's premature exit in his post-match press conference, the Guardiola, as quoted by our sister title - the Manchester Eveneing News - said: "Tomorrow we will check it, the doctor seems quite optimistic.
He [Gundogan] had a kick and was running in second half, disturbing it. I don't take a risk, that's why we did a substitution."
It has now come to light that Guardiola's decision to take Gundogan off was purely a precautionary measure, looking to avoid making the injury worse.
According to German sports journalist Christian Falk, who is the Head of Football for Sport BILD, Gundogan has been given the "all clear" by City's medics to return to the squad ahead of Sunday's Premier League finale with Everton at the Etihad Stadium, as well as for the Champions League final and upcoming European Championships.
On Twitter, Falk said: All clear with @IlkayGuendogan! The injury isn't bad. He is ready for @ManCity and @DFB_Team."
This news will be music to the ears of City fans as the Germany star has been nothing short outstanding this season, particularly during the second half of the campaign.
The former Dortmund ace has netted 17 goals in all competitions this season, as well as chipping in with five assists in a total of 45 appearances.
In comparison to last season, Gundogan scored just five times and netted six in 2018/19, highlighting just how big an improvement he has made in supporting City's attackers.
