Saturday 14 April 2018 08:10, UK
Benjamin Mendy made a return to action on Friday night by playing 45 minutes for Manchester City's U23 side.
The France international managed a full half as City drew 1-1 with Manchester United's U23 side in a Premier League 2 match.
Mendy performed free from injury, making a handful of surging forward runs while also contributing with a number of firm tackles against City's local rivals.
The 23-year-old defender suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in September and has not played a first-team game since.
Speaking to the club's website Mendy said: "I feel good. It's a good feeling to touch the ball in a real game. Against United is a good game for my first game back after my injury.
"We are football players so we know we can have a lot of injuries. I've had one before [long-term injury] but now it's OK.
"For my first game, my body felt good and my knee. I played and I enjoyed it."
The former Monaco full-back has only made five appearances under Pep Guardiola since signing for City for £52m last summer.
City have six games remaining in the Premier League and Mendy will be hoping to feature before the final fixture against Southampton on May 13.
