Just when you thought Man City couldn't get any stronger, €57million signing returns to training

Benjamin Mendy has stepped up his recovery from a long-term knee injury by returning to training with Manchester City.

The Premier League leaders released photographs of the France left-back participating in a session with his team-mates today.

Mendy, 23, has been out since suffering ligament damage in City's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace in September and subsequently undergoing surgery.

The developments follow an interview Mendy gave last week suggesting he was close to a return.

Mendy told the club website, mancity.com: "When I started my recovery, I had in mind the semi-finals of the Champions League.

"That was my goal, but I am coming back a bit quicker than expected originally so maybe it will be possible for me to return sooner than that. I believe in this.

"I think it's possible for me to come back within four weeks. It's not a good thing to come back too soon and you have to take your time."

Mendy made an impressive start at City following his £49.1million move from Monaco last summer but made only five appearances before being sidelined.

Raheem Sterling was also involved in training after four games out with a muscular injury.

- PA