Kevin De Bruyne has missed four months due to surgery (Picture: Getty)
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has been spotted back in first-team training having been sidelined since August.
De Bruyne started City’s first game of the season against Burnley – despite having an interrupted pre-season due to injury – but lasted only 20 minutes before being withdrawn.
The Belgian international subsequently sustained a hamstring tear which required surgery and has left him on the sidelines for the past four months.
However, the 32-year-old has now been pictured taking part in training for the first time since the surgery as Pep Guardiola’s side prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The return to training comes just days after the Belgian’s 70-acre mansion was ransacked by burglars.
Earlier this month, Guardiola revealed that de Bruyne had returned to on-pitch work and earmarked the Club World Cup as a potential return date.
It is unclear whether de Bruyne will be able to take part in the tournament but his return to training is a major boost for a City side who have lost ground in the Premier League title race in recent weeks.
Manchester City are looking to win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time (Picture: Getty)
City have won just one of their last six league games, most recently drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace after a late comeback from Roy Hodgson’s side.
The defending champions sit five points behind leaders Arsenal but will not play again in the league until December 27 due to their participation in the Club World Cup.
Guardiola’s side take on Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals as they look to win the competition for the first time in the club’s history.
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Should they make it to the final they will take on the winner of the other semi-final, contested between Fluminense and Al Ahly.
City could still be without Erling Haaland, who wasn’t pictured in training, as the striker continues to recover from a foot injury.
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He’s been ruled out since August.