De Bruyne facing race to be fit for Burnley clash

The Belgian has not played for either club or country since injuring his knee on the opening weekend of the season against Arsenal, but is thought to be closing in on a first-team return.

The former Chelsea man was known to have been back in training before City's goalless draw with Liverpool before the international break, but he was deemed not yet ready to form part of the matchday squad.

At the time of his injury, De Bruyne said he was targeting the Manchester derby on November 11 as his return date, but according to 'Sky Sports', he will be assessed over the course of Thursday and Friday to see whether he is ready to feature against Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday.

De Bruyne's return would come as a welcome boost for the reigning Premier League champions, who are facing a run of seven games in 23 days.

Meanwhile, city are still unaware as to the full extent of Danilo's ankle injury after he was forced off in Brazil's narrow friendly win against Argentina on Tuesday night.