Man City team news: Guardiola reveals potential return date for £20m star midfielder

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has provided an update regarding Ilkay Gundogan’s injury situation.

Gundogan has been sidelined since December after suffering a knee injury. The 26-year-old recently return to first-team training but is yet to feature for City in a pre-season friendly.

Guardiola has stated that the Germany international is nearing full fitness. The Spanish tactician believes Gundogan could be included in the City squad for their friendly against Girona.

The former Barcelona boss also heaped praise on Gundogan’s ability stating that ‘perfect for the way we want to play.’

“I think he’s close to coming back,” Guardiola told Manchester City’s official website.

See More: 2017/08/08 Man City Belgium international defender linked with move to Euro giants

“Maybe he’ll get minutes in Girona. I don’t know, we’re going to ask the doctor because, of course, he was injured for a long time

“We don’t want to take any risks. He has to be strong but, of course, his quality is perfect for the way we want to play.

“He’s a guy who plays in the middle and can be a holding midfielder or play in front. In those terms, we’re so happy.

The Citizens will be looking to build on a successful US tour which included victories over Real Madrid and Tottenham. Guardiola has decided to arrange a friendly with Girona between Premier League games.

Man City take on the newly promoted Brighton in their first game of the 2017-18 Premier League season on August 12.

The Citizens then take one Girona on August 15 before hosting Everton at home on the 21st.

Gundogan made the move to Man City from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million (BBC) last summer.