Silva targets Liverpool return after stepping up recovery

The Manchester City playmaker has been out of action since the start of October with an ankle injury, but after several setbacks he is in line to play some part against the Reds.
Manchester City playmaker David Silva has stepped up his recovery from injury and is targeting a return to first-team action against Liverpool after the international break, Goal understands.

Silva has been on the sidelines since the start of October when he injured his ankle while playing for Spain against Luxembourg in a Euro 2016 qualifier.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini initially hoped the 29-year-old would be back “within 15 days”, and there were even rumours he could have been fit for the Manchester derby on October 25.

His recovery took longer than expected, however, and he even struggled through a practise match last week.

But the former Valencia man has shown improvements in training this week and it is hoped he will be able to play some part against Jurgen Klopp’s men at the Etihad Stadium on November 21.

Sergio Aguero, who was reduced to tears after picking up a hamstring injury 24 hours before Silva was struck down, revealed earlier this week that he too is hoping to return against the Reds.

The Argentina striker posted pictures of his recovery to his Twitter account and later gave a detailed update in an interview with City’s official website.

“I don’t think I’m too far away now. Physically, I feel good and I’ve kept as fit as I can during my lay-off.
 I still need to work hard for another week and if not this week, then maybe next, I hope to start training with the rest of the lads and so my target is Liverpool.

“I’ll take things slowly and not rush into anything, but I’m not far away.”

With the Liverpool clash coming six weeks after the pair picked up their respective injuries, however, substitute roles may be a realistic expectation. 

With Wilfried Bony struggling with a hamstring injury of his own, that could mean Raheem Sterling is an option to start up front against his former employers, who he left in controversial circumstances during the summer.