Ilkay Gundogan is targeting a return to full fitness in time for Manchester City's opening match of the 2017/18 Premier League season.
"I’m working hard," the 26-year-old tells mancity.com of his debut-season-ending injury suffered against Watford in December. "I’m staying longer in Manchester than the rest of the squad.
"They are now on holiday but I am staying longer and I'm also coming back earlier to have my own little pre-season."
.@IlkayGuendogan on his recovery, @LeroySane19 and his hopes for the new season... #mcfchttps://t.co/yaasXemcDs
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 11, 2017
On Wednesday 14 June another marker will be set on his long road to recovery.
At 9am BST the full 2017/18 fixture list will be released and Man City will discover their opponents for the opening day, a match that Gundogan has in his sights.
"Hopefully, I can join the rest of the lads for pre-season – maybe not 100 per cent but I am increasing day by day the work and hopefully being ready for the first Premier League game."
