The Premier League champions have been without Ferran Torres after breaking a foot when Spain made it into the UEFA Nations League final in October.
The 21-year-old has started individual training before full first-team training is expected to take place again at the end of December, where Pep Guardiola will operate with a false nine in the absence of a recognized striker.
Torres, who has been heavily linked with a January move to Barcelona in recent weeks, impressed earlier in the season for the Sky Blues, who could position him at the top after returning to full fitness from Guardiola.
Guardiola gave a preview of the upcoming Manchester City league meeting with Watford on Vicarage Road on Saturday and gave an update on Torres’ recovery and when the young striker could be back in action.
“He (Torres) feels better – much, much better. He’s already going to the gym, but the doctor has said that it (metatarsal bone) is an injury to watch out for, “said the 50-year-old in his press conference on Friday, as quoted on the club’s official website.
Guardiola, however, is careful not to rush Torres back into the squad in order to reduce the risk of further injury in what is arguably the most strenuous and exhausting phase of the campaign for City
The City boss added: “If he (Torres) comes back a few days early, he could be out for another four months. Another week, ten more days and then come back. Metatarsus is so dangerous. “
This could lead Torres to face Wolves or Leeds in the Premier League next week as the games get tight and fast for the Manchester team, who will play seven times in all competitions before the new year.
Torres could prove to be a key player for Guardiola if he regains his place in the line-up, which could almost certainly move him to operate at the top in attack – with Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez in good shape.
Manchester City will look to claim seven straight wins at Watford in the south, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish traveling with the squad after returning to practice ahead of the game
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