Leroy Sane took part in another practice match among the Manchester City squad as the German winger closes on a return to first-team action.
Sane, 23, has not played a competitive game since August, when he suffered knee ligament damage in the early stages of the Community Shield win over Liverpool. Despite several weeks' training with the squad, he had not been deemed fit enough to feature for the Blues in mid-March when the season was suspended.
The early signs ahead of the return of the Premier League are that the forward will be available for Pep Guardiola to use from next week as he builds his fitness up alongside his teammates. Sane took part in an 11-vs-11 training match last week at the training ground and also played this week when the exercise was repeated at the Etihad.
Aymeric Laporte, another to have been injured when the campaign was paused in March, also featured which means Guardiola could have a full squad to choose from for the first time this season.
The next few months could be the last for Sane as a City player.
Bayern Munich have renewed the strong interest they held in the player before his injury and are confident of being able to strike a deal for a player who is entering the final 12 months of his contract.
The Bundesliga champions will not be able to sign the player before next season, though, meaning he can play for City in their outstanding Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League fixtures.
