Manchester City defender provides crucial fitness update on road to recovery

Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte is closing in on a return to action after spending the opening weeks of the season on the sidelines.

The Spain international enjoyed a stellar 2021/22 campaign as he registered 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring four times in the Premier League.

Laporte, who joined City in 2018 from Athletic Bilbao, has recently been training at his former club as he steps up his recovery ahead of a return to action.

Pep Guardiola's men have begun their title defence with back-to-back wins over West Ham and Bournemouth, with Erling Haaland getting off the mark after joining City from Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake have

The Blues travel to St. James' Park to face Newcastle on Sunday as Nathan Ake looks set to partner Ruben Dias in central defence.

John Stones remains out injured but could be involved when Manchester City face Barcelona at the Camp Nou next week.

With Stones set to return soon, City and Pep Guardiola have been handed a key boost as Aymeric Laporte moves ever closer to full fitness himself.

The 28-year-old revealed in the aftermath of Manchester City's final day triumph against Aston Villa last season that he had played through a knee injury in the closing weeks of last season to help his side retain the Premier League.

Laporte was lauded for his commitment efforts by Manchester City fans on social media as he explained he took a blow to his knee in a 5-1 win against Wolves in May.

The four-time Premier League champion is expected to be back in contention in the near future as Guardiola's side bid to challenge on all fronts again this season.

After falling behind Dias and Stones in the pecking order during the 2020/21 campaign, Laporte was understood to be open to leaving Manchester City and taking up a new challenge.

However, as was the case with Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva, any chances of a move materialising were hindered by the financial restraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having regained his place in the starting XI last season, Laporte is believed to be happy with his game time as he embarks upon what could be another trophy-laden season at the Etihad Stadium.

Ahead of City's league trip to Tyneside on Sunday, the Spaniard has seemingly confirmed on social media he is edging closer to a return to full fitness.

With the games set to come thick and fast for the Premier League champions, Pep Guardiola will be relieved to have both Stones and Laporte back in contention in the coming weeks.