Ilkay Gundogan is hopeful he can be fully up to speed following the September international break after making his return from an eight-month layoff during Manchester City s friendly at Girona on Tuesday.
Gundogan scored five goals in 16 appearances for Pep Guardiola s side last term before a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered during December s 2-0 win over Watford curtailed his debut season in England.
The 26-year-old Germany midfielder came on for the final 19 minutes at Montilivi as City lost 1-0 to the LaLiga newcomers but he is in no immediate rush to play a part in competitive action.
I m in a good way. I still know that it s a long way to go but I was out for eight months, Gundogan told City TV
There is no reason to rush now. When I feel good, when I feel ready, when I feel safe I m ready to play and I m ready to try.
That s the target for the next weeks. There s an international break in the next two weeks so there s plenty of time to use that for training, maybe another one or two games if it s possible.
Then, hopefully, after that break I will be ready to join the team fully. When the manager and my team-mates need me, I want to be there.
Today I simply feel fantastic to be finally back in a football match after so many months!
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan)
Gundogan has endured wretched luck with injuries over recent seasons, having missed Euro 2016 due to a dislocated kneecap after a back injury meant 2013-14 and Germany s triumphant World Cup campaign in Brazil was a write-off.
As such, he is well versed in the psychological side of timing a comeback correctly as he moves back towards peak physical shape.
I wouldn t say it s down to medical advice, it s more like a personal feeling to be honest, he said when discussing a potential return date, with City s home game against Everton next Monday all but ruled out.
I know now that my knee is safe and everything is good. Now it s more a mental thing, to join the lads in the games for a few minutes and then to come out and do some treatment afterwards, cooling, all that stuff.
That s my target. I will enjoy every single minute that I get. Whether it s in a friendly or the Premier League I want to be ready.
It s difficult to say this game or that time. It s just a feeling in the training sessions over the next weeks and then, hopefully, I m going to be ready soon.
Happy to see my bro back on the pitch! e
— Leroy Sané (@LeroySane19)
