Manchester City have been handed a major injury boost ahead of the title run-in with Liverpool as defender Ruben Dias returned to training this week.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined for almost six weeks and missed the crunch clash against the Reds at the Etihad on Sunday. The 2-2 draw has kept the title race very much alive, despite City maintaining their one point lead in the table.
It has been reported that, while he's back in team training, their clash against Atletico Madrid midweek in the Champions League could come too soon. City take a 1-0 lead into the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano as they look to book themselves a spot in the semi-finals against the winner of Chelsea vs Real Madrid.
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He could, however, be ready for the semi-final of the FA Cup on Saturday as City and Liverpool meet once again for the showpiece game at Wembley. The winner will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the final next month.
But Dias' return will be a welcomed boost for Pep Guardiola as he prepares his side for an all important run-in. Their seven remaining league fixtures consist of games against: Wolves, Brighton, Watford, Leeds United, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa.
Liverpool, on the other hand, face arguably the more difficult schedule with Everton, Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Southampton and Wolves making up their run-in. With one trophy already secured this season, Jurgen Klopp will hope his side can pick up more silverware with the league title, Champions League and FA Cup still up for grabs.
For City, the return of Dias acts as a major boost given he was named player of the season following their title win last term. He's been a mainstay in Guardiola's side prior to his injury a number of weeks ago.
