Benjamin Mendy makes Manchester City training return after six-months out with horror knee injury
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BENJAMIN MENDY has returned to Manchester City training for the first time since September.
The French defender has been out of action since suffering knee ligament damage during a 5-0 win against Crystal Palace.
is now in the final stages of recovery after undergoing surgery and a strict rehabilitation programme.
And the 23-year-old has hinted that he could be back in time for the Manchester derby next month.
He told the club website: "When I started my recovery, I had in mind the semi-finals of the Champions League.
"That was my goal, but I am coming back a bit quicker than expected originally so maybe it will be possible for me to return sooner than that.
"I believe in this. I think it's possible for me to come back within four weeks.
"The Manchester derby is a realistic aim.
FOOT-BALLER Bernardo Silva reveals battered and bruised feet as he's mocked by Mendy
"That's half clear in my mind. I really want to play that game."
But the France international then accused his own club of misquoting him about his injury.
The full-back will be looking to get as much game time as possible ahead of this years World Cup competition in Russia.
National team manager Didier Deschamps recently insisted that the City star is is still very much in contention to feature for France this summer.
Raheem Sterling also returned to training for the Citizens after missing three games with a hamstring injury.
City are training ahead of Wednesday's second-leg Champions League tie with Basel.
