Manchester City trio return to training ahead of Basel tie

Manchester City have welcomed three key players back to training ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with Basel.

David Silva, Fabian Delph and Leroy Sane were all spotted taking part in Monday morning's session, despite each being seen as major doubts for the clash at St Jakob-Park.

According to the Manchester Evening News, however, the trio could join the rest of their teammates in making the trip to Switzerland later today.

News of Sane's return to training is particularly surprising, given that he was initially ruled out for seven weeks following a strong challenge from Cardiff City's Joe Bennett a fortnight ago.

Silva has been absent since suffering a hip injury against West Bromwich Albion last month, meanwhile, and makeshift left-back Delph last featured on January 14.

However, club-record signing Aymeric Laporte was not sighted at the training base and is now seen as doubtful for the meeting with Basel.