Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who has been out since August with a knee injury, is nearing a comeback after returning to training this month.

The club are not yet sure when he will be fit enough to play. The game against Crystal Palace and Tuesday's trip to Sheffield United come too soon but he could be close by next week's FA Cup clash with Fulham or the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester United on January 29.

City boss Pep Guardiola said: "I expect the doctor to tell me when he's ready.

"He is training but I still don't have the all-clear for when he can play. When the doctor says I will take a look at which games he can play."