Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan upbeat as he closes on return to full-contact training
Saturday 29 July 2017 13:12, UK
Ilkay Gundogan is pleased with his progress in training as he plots his road to a Manchester City first-team comeback.
Gundogan joined City in June 2016 for a fee of £21m but managed only nine Premier League appearances before a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee ended his season in December.
The 26-year-old was suffering his third long-term injury, having been forced to miss the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championships because of previous setbacks.
Gundogan told Sky Sports News there had been tough times in another round of rehabilitation but now hopes he can return soon to give Pep Guardiola another midfield option.
Speaking from City's tour in the United States, Gundogan said: "I'm close to a return and progressing very well.
"I was able to do parts with the team already over here in the US. I'm not fit yet and not at full contact with the guys, and of course there is a lack of self confidence.
"Especially when it is a long-term injury it is difficult to always be positive and always motivated.
"It's quite challenging handling that but I think I am able to deal with it and now I am at the end stage, not too far away from returning."
