Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly been handed a boost in his recovery from a knee injury.
De Bruyne is currently spending a prolonged period on the sidelines after sustaining the issue in training just after the start of the season, and the Belgium international is expected to be out of action for three months.
However, according to the Daily Star, the 27-year-old has been able to step up his rehabilitation by removing the knee brace which had been assisting his recovery.
The report claims that the development has potentially put De Bruyne in contention to make a return to training ahead of the derby showdown with Manchester United on November 11.
De Bruyne contributed eight goals and 16 assists last season as City eased to the Premier League title.
