Man City’s Mendy thrilled to make return from injury

Ian Watson

Benjamin Mendy stepped up his recovery from a knee injury by turning out for Manchester City’s elite development squad on Friday.

The 23-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg against Crystal Palace in September and has not played a first-team game since.

Mendy, a £49.4million signing from Monaco last summer, has made just five appearances under Pep Guardiola this season.

The France international managed 45 minutes as City drew 1-1 with Manchester United’s under-23 side in Premier League 2.

City have six games remaining in the Premier League and Mendy will be hoping to feature before the final fixture against Southampton on May 13.