Fabian Delph may be facing an injury layoff, but Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been handed a boost with the news that fellow midfielder Fernando is nearing a return to fitness.
Delph was struck by yet another hamstring injury on Tuesday night during England's 2-0 win over Switzerland.
The 25-year-old midfielder lasted around 10 seconds of the Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley before hobbling off having pulled his hamstring.
It was the second time he has had trouble in the area since making his £8million move from Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium.
The former Villa man reported to City's training ground on Wednesday to have a scan on the area.
England manager Roy Hodgson had said the night before: "He pulled his hamstring. He trained every session with us and felt good, and he played in San Marino.
"It was just a burst, that acceleration (that caused it). He felt it was a definite pull. A scan will have to show us how serious it is."
If Delph is ruled out for a matter of weeks, as has been reported, Pellegrini has a ready-made replacement for him in the form of Fernando.
"I'm feeling much better and in a couple of days I will be stepping up my training programme," said the Brazilian, who has not played this season because of a long-standing groin injury.
"I went back to Porto for treatment, rest and to recover and now I'm feeling much better."
The midfielder is now training with the City first team and will be available for selection - after a frustrating spell on the sidelines - in around a fortnight.
"On one hand, it's been great to see the lads playing so well, but on the other you are frustrated at not being involved," he told the club's official website.
"Obviously I want to help my team and play my part but I needed to be clear of this injury first.
"I've been working hard to recover, I'm feeling much better now with no pain so I will resume normal training this week and hopefully be available at some point within the next fortnight.
"I can't wait to get my season finally up and running and being pain free at last will be a huge relief."
Source: PA
