Manchester City handed Bernardo Silva fitness boost ahead of Sheffield United clash

Bernardo Silva has returned to first-team training ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Sheffield United in the Premier League this weekend.

The 29-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week, has missed Manchester City’s previous two matches against Sevilla and Newcastle United.

Silva was absent for the UEFA Super Cup win in Athens and last weekend’s 1-0 win over Newcastle in the Premier League due to illness, as Manchester City contend with a number of ongoing first-team absences.

Kevin De Bruyne will be out for up to five months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury, meanwhile John Stones is sidelined until after the international break due to a muscular problem.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will also be away from the dugout until September, with the 52-year-old undergoing emergency surgery in Barcelona for a back problem on Tuesday.

First-team assistant manager Juanma Lillo will take charge of Manchester City’s upcoming matches against Sheffield United and Fulham, as the Sky Blues look to continue their winning start to the new campaign.

The treble-winners travel to Bramall Lane to face newly-promoted Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon, with Manchester City having beaten the Blades 3-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium last season.

Bernardo Silva looks set to be available for Manchester City after Lillo confirmed that the Portuguese midfielder returned to training ahead of the weekend.

“Perhaps it’s a question for the doctor but he’s trained fully normal. I don’t think he’s ill and he’s good to go,” said Lillo during his first press conference on Friday afternoon.

As well as welcoming back the 29-year-old, new Manchester City signing Jeremy Doku could make his debut for the Blues on Sunday, after completing a £55.4 million move from Rennes in France.

The 21-year-old is Manchester City’s third signing of the summer, following the arrival of Croatian pair Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.