Manchester City FC

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Bridge poised for City return

05 Feb 2010 - 07:58:18

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that Wayne Bridge could make his comeback from injury against Hull City on Saturday.

Bridge, who has been sidelined with a knee injury for two months, has found himself embroiled in lurid newspaper allegations concerning England captain John Terry and his ex-partner this week.

Both Terry and Bridge's England futures have been the subject of intense speculation but, despite admitting that the full-back is struggling mentally to cope, Mancini claims he is ready to play.

Speaking about a meeting earlier in the week with England assistant manager Franco Baldini, Mancini said: "I spoke with Baldini on Monday morning. He asked me about Wayne and I told him that he is training every day.

"I said it is not a good moment in his head but it's not a problem on the training ground. It's important he can play now and not think about the other person.

"I spoke with Wayne two days ago, three days ago and yesterday. He wants to play on Saturday and I think he can."

One school of thought is the England coach Fabio Capello could leave Bridge out of his World Cup squad to avoid potential unrest.

However, Mancini believes the 29-year-old is the best left back in the country.

He added: "Wayne is the best left-back in England and the Premier League.

"That is the most important thing for me and the other players."