Share By Stuart Brennan 06:00, 7 JAN 2020 Sport Sane's nearing a return Leroy Sane is close to a return to Manchester City training – another big boost for the Blues’ Champions League hopes.

The Germany winger has been out for five months after having cruciate ligament surgery following an injury sustained against Liverpool in the Community Shield in August.

He was followed into the treatment room the following month by defender Aymeric Laporte , who also damaged knee ligaments, but is due back in full training this week.

City are hopeful Laporte will be ready to reinforce a defence which has struggled at times in his absence this season – and now it seems Sane should also be ready for the first leg against Real Madrid on February 26.

Sane posted a picture of himself wearing boots a few weeks ago, but Laporte has moved ahead of him in terms of recovery, by joining the first team squad for part of their sessions last week.

Pep Guardiola says he would not manage Manchester United if it was the last job on earth Manchester United defend Man City ticket allocation amid supporter concerns Guardiola was asked what is happening with Sane, who was being pursued by Bayern Munich before suffering his injury.

He said: “I think he is close. I spoke with him two days ago and he said to me he is training alone with the ball, he is doing incredibly well.

“His knee looks really good so I don't think it is going to take too much time to come back to train with us. I think in the next few weeks he can come back.”

Asked if Sane’s injury was worse than that of Laporte, Guardiola said: “It's different. Both are serious. But I think he is in the last stages.”