Bridge nears City return

Bridge: Eager to get back in action

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Wayne Bridge is hoping to be back in contention for Manchester City's home clash against Blackburn.

The City left-back has been sidelined after suffering a broken bone in his foot during pre-season.

But the 30-year-old England international is set to return to full training and kick-start his season after missing City's opening five games.

With no Premier League games this weekend due to the international break, Bridge could be back in action against Blackburn a week on Saturday.

Frustrating

"The injury seems a lot better the past few days," he told the club's official website. "It's been frustrating but it's one of those where you have to wait in case the fracture gets worse.

"I should be back in training some time this week or next week. If I don't train by the end of the week they'll x-ray the foot again. But the pain is half what it was, so it's definitely healing.

"I've been working hard doing bike work, rowing, a bit of boxing, core work. I feel fit, so hopefully I can slot back in and not find training too hard when I get back. Fingers crossed for Blackburn.

"I've been coming in and sitting in an oxygen tank, sitting on a rower, sitting on a bike," Bridge added. "It's getting a bit annoying - I feel like I've been kicked up the backside sometimes!

"I'm just really looking forward to getting back out there and running around again. It's been too long."

Competition

Bridge faces stiffer competition at left-back with Aleksandar Kolarov being signed from Lazio this summer and the Serbia international started the season at left-back.

He lasted just 45 minutes before getting injured himself, though, and Joleon Lescott has since shown his versatility by switching to the left of defence, but Bridge welcomes the increased fight for places.

"I'm not too worried about extra competition," he added. "I'll be working hard, keep my head down and do as well as I can when I get back.

"We've got an even stronger squad now. It's a great squad, and everybody's going to get the chance to play. You need a squad this size if you're going to compete for everything you go for.

"We're all fighting for a place and when everyone's fit it's going to be great competition. Joleon's playing left-back because of injuries, so that shows what can happen. You have to take your chance when it comes."