Erling Haaland is the latest Manchester City star to make a return to training as the Premier League champions restart their tilt at an unprecedented fourth consecutive title next week.
The foot injury sustained during last month’s defeat at Aston Villa has kept the Norwegian out for six weeks but he remains the division’s joint-top goalscorer with Mohamed Salah.
City were not expecting the stress on a bone to require that long to heal and Haaland suffered a setback a fortnight ago.
The club’s medical staff advised that the 23-year-old miss further training in the build-up to the dramatic 3-2 victory at Newcastle United before their mid-season break.
But they were boosted when Haaland joined in a session with Pep Guardiola’s squad on Monday during their warm-weather camp in Abu Dhabi – following the re-introduction of John Stones to light work on Sunday.
Erling Haaland returned to Man City training on Monday after being injured for six weeks
Jeremy Doku has also been taking part in sessions in the club's training camp in Abu Dhabi
John Stones returned to light work on Sunday in another boost for manager Pep Guardiola
Winger Jeremy Doku has also been participating in sessions during the camp, with City set to fly home on Tuesday.
With Kevin De Bruyne playing a starring role at St James’ Park and two of City’s bigger stars now back training, Guardiola appears to be closer to being able to pick his first-choice XI.
City have not been able to field De Bruyne, Haaland and Stones – three of the most integral parts in their Treble success – in a team all season.
They travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Friday before league action returns against Burnley next Wednesday.