Manchester City fans will be excited to know that their German midfield general Ilkay Gundogan is nearing a return from a long term injury.
City have travelled to Spain to indulge in a friendly encounter with newly promoted La Liga side Girona FC. Gundogan has travelled with the squad and could be playing after nearly 8 months out from injury against the side which has become sort of a feeder club for City with multiple City youngsters joining them on loan.
The 26-year-old underwent surgery on ligaments in his knee and has been working extremely hard over the summer to make his return the squad.
Speaking to Soccer Bible the German midfielder said: “The summer was about keeping at the level I was on. When I had three weeks off I wanted to return in the same condition as I was in when I left.
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Read: 10 talking points from Gameweek 1 of the EPL.
“I knew that I was going on the tour so that was no issue. I’ve been progressing well and now I’m at the stage where I can say I am training fully with the team. It’s now about getting your confidence, getting used to full contact.
“There’s still a small way to go but I feel good and safe, and I can’t wait to get back to playing.”
Guardiola said that the Turkish origin midfielder could get minutes against Girona but he will consider medical advice before risking him.
Gundogan’s return is likely to add to the selection headache that Pep already has given the amount of talent for roles in the midfield. Such a selection headache is great to have and the new look City side is impressive already. They are already being touted as title favourites but Gundogan would not be moved on whether he agrees with being the favourites.
He said: “I don’t look at other teams that much to be honest. Of course, I know what other teams have done in the summer but I don’t pay too much attention to them.
“We just have to focus on what we want to do. We’ve had a great pre-season and we feel like we’re ready. Last season we started so well, we won ten games in a row, but then we struggled a bit.
“The Premier League is a tough league, a lot of teams are uncomfortable to play against. We’ve recruited very well, the manager has more experience in the league and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
City play Girona on Tuesday before they return to England for their first home game of the season against Ronald Koeman’s ever improving Everton side.
