Kevin De Bruyne expects to be back in full training next month and fit to return against Manchester United on November 11.
The Manchester City midfielder has started running as he steps up his recovery from a knee ligament injury sustained during a training session in August.
That problem was in part put down to De Bruyne's heavy summer but he is eyeing the first derby of the season as a possible comeback.
De Bruyne recently removed a knee brace before returning to some light running. City would ideally like him to train at full tilt for 10 days before the visit of Jose Mourinho's United.
Kevin De Bruyne: “I still need 3, 4, 5 weeks, but I’m getting there. Hopefully I can be back soon, help the team and perform well. I’m hoping to be back after the next international break. I think I will be back for the derby.”
Pep Guardiola's side missed their talisman during the 2-1 Champions League defeat by Lyon on Wednesday night, with Fernandinho revealing there were some choice words in the dressing room.
Mikel Arteta — filling in for the suspended Guardiola — had his say at half-time, while senior players also chipped in.
'There were strong words, not just him [Arteta], but from the players as well,' Fernandinho said.
'We are a good team but to compete in Europe you have to have something extra and I think it is a good point because we discussed at half-time and before the game as well.
'It is hard to explain. We didn't start well. We start waiting to see what happens. When we woke up, it was so late, we conceded two goals and in that competition, we cannot win like this. We paid for that.'
