New Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he is hopeful of being fit to make his debut for the Premier League club in the derby against Manchester United on September 10.
The German international joined Man City from Borussia Dortmund last month, but will miss the start of the season after dislocating his kneecap in May, which ruled him out of Euro 2016.
Gundogan, however, has said that "everything is going well" with his rehab as he targets a September return.
"Our target is end of August, September and September 10 is the derby, so I could be ready for it, but it's difficult to say," Gundogan told Sky Sports News.
"If it's one week earlier it's good, but one week later is also good. The important thing is to be safe and then everything else will come on its own.
"Everything is going well and I am looking forward to being back on the field. I'm doing my rehab, increasing the pressure on my leg, and I'm in good shape and looking forward to it."
New head coach Pep Guardiola officially began work with Man City on Sunday.
Matt Law
