Kevin De Bruyne could make a spectacular return from injury against Liverpool, while Benjamin Mendy has also been declared fit for Sunday’s clash.
Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne has recovered from knee ligament damage, but will face a final fitness test on Saturday before Pep Guardiola makes a decision on whether to unleash him at Anfield.
Belgium decided not to call the 27-year-old up for the upcoming internationals against Switzerland and Holland because Roberto Martinez didn’t believe he was ready to be involved after nearly two months out.
But City’s medical staff and have been encouraged by his remarkable recovery after returning to training this week, when he was initially expected to take three months to get back on the pitch.
Guardiola confirmed: “He trained with us today. We will see tomorrow.”
It remains unlikely De Bruyne will be risked form the start, even if Guardiola is satisfied with his fitness.
His comments ahead of the top of the table clash with Liverpool could be interpreted as an attempt to play mind games with opposite number Jurgen Klopp.
In Pictures | Hoffenheim vs Manchester City | 02/10/2018
But Mendy is likelier to be included in the starting XI after recovering from a bruised metatarsal.
The Frenchman hasn’t played since France’s 2-1 win against Holland last month and was rebuked by Guardiola for his attitude to his recovery after turning up late for treatment the day after attending Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight world title clash with Alexander Povetkin.
Injury to Fabian Delph means City are short of options at left back, with Aymeric Laporte of Oleksandr Zinchenko alternatives.
