Fernandinho is in a race to be fit for Manchester City’s trip to Southampton and the top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool.
The Brazilian midfielder has missed City’s last two games — the back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Leicester City — with a minor muscle injury.
Fernandinho’s absence has been a big blow with City not having a natural replacement. John Stones played in the holding role against Palace before dropping back into defence with City 3-1 down and chasing a game they eventually lost 3-2.
Ilkay Gundogan played in the position in the 2-1 defeat to Leicester on Boxing Day as Pep Guardiola’s side fell seven points behind leaders Liverpool. Read more