Micah Richards is back training with Manchester City and could return in time for the derby with neighbours Manchester United.
The defender has been sidelined since October after undergoing surgery on his knee but is closing in on a return which could occur at Old Trafford early next month.
"In the last 10 days I've been training outside again, doing two days of running and then a recovery day after that," said Richards.
"I had a big fitness session on Tuesday and I'm starting to feel really good again so, when the lads are back from international duty, I should be taking part in partial sessions with them as I continue to close in on a return.
"I think the Newcastle match will come too soon for me, though I hope to have been training normally by then.
"Realistically, I'm looking more to the game away to United and then the FA Cup semi-final, maybe against United again, to be properly involved again - two relaxing games in a week on the horizon!
"I'll be trying my best to get back into the squad and it will be great just to be back among the lads and getting a feel for everything again."
