Aymeric Laporte delivers major update on injury recovery and Manchester City return

Aymeric Laporte has delivered a significant update on his progress towards a return to full fitness.

The Spain international defender is yet to play a single minute for Manchester City this season, as he continues to recover from a problem sustained towards the back end of last season.

Laporte sustained an injury to his knee during the club's successful pursuit of a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

Unfortunately however, the injury was so bad that surgery was required, lengthening his time away from the field of play.

In an official statement published on the player's Instagram in the summer, Aymeric Laporte wrote:

"As you may have read, unfortunately I wont be able to attend the (Spain) National team next games, because of the injury I picked up against Wolves that will need further treatment.

"I have been uncomfortable with my knee since then, but I wanted to help the (Manchester City) team to the end, and I am glad I did so."

The statement continued, "Now that the season is over, I will follow the medical process and start rehab to get back to full fitness quickly.

"We have another very exciting season ahead of us with big goals to achieve.

"Thanks for the messages and support, see you soon on the pitch."

Now, as Manchester City gear up for their second Champions League group stage game of the season, against Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium, Aymeric Laporte has delivered a significant update on his progress.

In a new post on his social media, Laporte released a new photo of him on the ball in Manchester City training, with the caption, "Almost there."

That was accompanied by the 'eyes' emoji, suggesting that a return to full fitness may only be around the corner for the former Athletic Bilbao man.

The 28 year-old made 44 appearances for City last season, helping the Sky Blues to their fourth Premier League title in five years.

Laporte's return to training comes after the addition of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund as centre-back cover, amid a series of central defensive injuries.

Akanji completed a £15 million transfer on Deadline Day, and made his debut against Sevilla in the Champions League last week.

Manchester City travel to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, and then face Manchester United after the international break next month.