Roberto Mancini could welcome David Silva back to his Manchester City ranks for Sunday's visit of sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spaniard has been missing for the last month with a hamstring problem.
Joleon Lescott and Maicon are also likely to be named in the Italian's squad, but Micah Richards and James Milner still require treatment.
Meanwhile, Spurs - who have already won in Manchester this season - are without Moussa Dembele, Scott Parker, Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Younes Kaboul.
However, Sandro may recover from a calf strain in time to take a place on the bench.
City, who sit third in the Premier League, have won the last three meetings between the two sides.
