Manchester City winger Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he could return early from his knee ligament injury after the current international break.
The Belgian, for whom City paid a record £54m last summer, has been out since suffering knee and ankle problems in late January.
De Bruyne was initially ruled out for 10 weeks but could now return a fortnight ahead of schedule.
"The injury is going good," the 24-year-old told the club website. "I am training very well and thinking I am ahead of schedule, so I am looking to be back after the international break. It looks like I'm a couple of weeks ahead."
De Bruyne has contributed 12 goals and 12 assists in his debut season and without him, the Citizens have fallen off the pace in the Premier League title race and are now facing a battle to retain fourth place.
Sunday's Manchester derby defeat saw City fall 15 points behind leaders Leicester City in the table, meaning that they are as close to Swansea City in 15th as the Foxes at the top.
Pascal Lemesre
