Vassell targets City return
15 Oct 2008 - 15:22:36
Manchester City striker Darius Vassell is hoping to be back to full fitness and in contention for a first-team return by the end of October.
Vassell, 28, has been out of action since damaging medial knee ligaments in a pre-season friendly against AC Milan, but has now been given the green light to resume full training.
"It's an injury that I have done before, so I know that it will take time to heal. It's just one of those things but it's something you have to look to get over," the former England striker told the club's official website.
"I've been in rehab for eight weeks and I saw a specialist last week. He told me that I am alright to kick on in training for the next couple of weeks.
"I think I'm a week or two from getting my full fitness back and I need some games under my belt over the next couple of weeks, depending how the rehab goes."
Meanwhile, Vassell has spoken of his frustration at being unable to play alongside some of the big-money signings funded by City's new Abu Dhabi-based owners during the summer.
"If we can keep bringing in new players that will keep everyone on their toes and it excites me as well because I know that I will have to reach a high level to get a game," he continued.
"Getting injured at the time I did was so disappointing - it's been really frustrating.
"But at the same time, the direction the club is heading in is really positive, not only for myself but for the fans and the players as well."