Injured Manchester City star to return five weeks earlier

Leroy Sane has travelled with the Manchester City squad for Tuesday night’s encounter with FC Basel despite suffering ankle ligament damage two weeks ago.

The Germany international suffered an ankle injury during the first half of City’s win over Cardiff in the FA Cup at the end of January and was initially ruled out until the end of March.

However, Sane is now expected to be named on the bench for the first leg of City’s Champions League round of 16 tie against Basel after making a miraculous recovery.

“I’m surprised but he has worked a lot,” The Daily Telegraph quote Guardiola said ahead of Tuesday’s match. “I couldn’t expect it with a young guy, to be so professional.

“He’s not in perfect condition but he has run a lot and he wants to help us. He is with us and that’s good news. They have done a good job, both the physio’s and himself.”

Sane has been immense for City this season and played an integral part in helping Guardiola’s side establish a 16-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has played a direct hand in 23 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for City this season (11 goals, 12 assists).

In fact, only City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne (14) has registered more assists than Sane (10) in the Premier League this season.