Manchester City now boosted by the return of defensive Iron Man

Manchester City first team have been handed a boost with the return of Danilo Luiz from a minor injury.

City's secondary right-back option got involved in Wednesday’s training session ahead of this Saturday’s game with Crystal Palace at the Etihad.

The 27-year-old had endured a number of injury problems recently, and missed the last three games, including last night’s Carabao Cup win over Leicester which required his involvement.

Danilo’s absence has led to a heavy reliance on Kyle Walker, who played the full 90 minutes last night in a fixture Pep Guardiola would undoubtedly have preferred to rest him.

The former Real Madrid man has made just 4 appearances so far this season – 1 in the Premier League, 1 in the Champions League and 2 in the Carabao Cup.

City host Crystal Palace at the weekend before returning to Leicester’s King Power Stadium next Wednesday then closing out 2018 with an away day at Southampton – and with such a hectic schedule, Danilo can expect some game time coming up.

Manchester City are still without Spaniard midfielder David Silva and Benjamin Mendy, who are ruled out of action until the new year.