Man City boss Pep Guardiola given major defensive injury boost as star returns to training
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has received a major injury boost in defence, after Oleksandr Zinchenko returned to full training following the Citizens’ 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
Man City: Oleksandr Zinchenko shows off his skills in training
Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training, after spending more than a month on the sidelines with a knee injury. Pep Guardiola will be delighted with the left-back’s return to full training, as City’s injury list begins to shorten.
Man City news: Pep Guardiola handed Zinchenko injury boost as star returns to full training (Image: GETTY Images)
The left-back is likely to slot straight back into Guardiola’s starting XI when he’s fully fit.
He’s missed City’s last 10 matches in all competitions, after picking up an injury before the club’s Champions League match against Atalanta in October.
But, Zinchenko was put through his paces during training on Sunday, as Guardiola put him, and his teammates, through a series of physical workouts.
He also took part in some training drills, and appears close to full fitness, ahead of the busy Christmas schedule.
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A City statement read: “Manchester City have been bolstered by the return of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who joined his team-mates in training the day after the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
“The Ukrainian defender has been out since the end of October after having surgery on a knee problem, but was back out on the training pitch at the City Football Academy as he stepped up his recovery.
“Pep Guardiola put his players through a series of physical workouts before a rondo and a larger possession-based game as preparations begin for Tuesday’s trip to Burnley.
“Zinchenko, who missed City’s last 10 games, joined in each of the drills and was in good spirits on his return.”
Man City news: Zinchenko has become a key part of Guardiola's squad (Image: GETTY Images)
But, six minutes later, Jonjo Shelvey equalised for a second time, handing Newcastle a valuable point against the champions.
Meanwhile, Zinchenko featured in seven of City’s first eight Premier League matches of the season.
He was also part of City’s incredible winning run at the end of last season, starting 11 of their last 12 games of the campaign as City ended the year with 14 straight victories.
Zinchenko is a Centurion, having featured in eight of the club's games in the record-breaking 2017-18 title season.
The Ukraine star was close to leaving City in the summer of 2018, but instead chose to fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium. He was rewarded 12 months later with a new contract, and the No 11 shirt.