Leroy Sane is closer to returning to Manchester City.

Sane, 24, has been out since the start of the season after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee in the Community Shield against Liverpool.

The winger has stepped up his recovery, training alone and doing ball work, and is expected to join his team-mates for full training by the end of the month, says the Mirror.

Although no definitive date has been targeted for his return, the Germany international could return for City's trip to Tottenham on February 2.

But a more likely date is February 22 against Leicester , which comes after City's two-week winter break, allowing Sane more time to fully recover before making his return.