Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has handed the club a huge boost by announcing that he expects to return to action within two months.
Pep Guardiola’s side have desperately missed the Frenchman with many claiming his absence is the main reason as to why they find themselves 11 points behind Liverpool heading into a busy December.
The 25-year-old told National (via The Daily Mail):”[My recovery] is going very well. Still, I need time but I hope as soon as possible I can come back and play with my team-mates.
“I can’t say when exactly but more or less one month-and-a-half to two months.”
Is Laporte's absence the main reason City find themselves so far off of the pace?
Yes
No
TIF Tactics – How much have City missed Laporte?
The Champions have already conceded 16 goals in 14 Premier League games this season and their leaky defence has contributed largely to the position they currently find themselves in. Fernandinho has been forced to move back into a central-defensive role in order to cover for the former Athletic Bilbao player and that has subsequently affected the heart of the City midfield.
Laporte, who is valued at £67.5 million (Transfermarkt), has only made four league appearances and after his impeccable season last time out coupled with the fact Vincent Kompany left for pastures new in the summer, you cannot help but feel it was criminal of City not to have additional coverage in place in case something like this occurred.
His return will provide a huge boost for a side who defensively are totally devoid of confidence but will it be too little too late in terms of the Premier League title? It’s looking that way at the minute but when and if Liverpool do eventually suffer defeat, City will need to be within touching distance and ready to capitalise.