Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has made significant progress in his return from long-term injury by turning out for the team's Under-23s in their home match against their Manchester United counterparts.
The France international, who has been missing for seven months with a knee problem, played 45 minutes as the Sky Blues reserves held their local rivals to a 1-1 draw.
City spent big on Mendy, paying £52m to bring him to the club from Monaco in the summer, but he has not featured for them since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in September's 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
After making his return in the U23s derby, Mendy took to Twitter to thank City's staff, players and fans for helping him through a difficult time.
