Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is recovering ahead of schedule from a right knee injury and hopes to return to action against rivals Manchester United in the Premier League in November.
De Bruyne, who scored eight goals and provided 16 assists in City's record-setting run to the Premier League title last season, said he could be back at training next month as he targets an early return in time for the Manchester derby on Nov. 11.
"I still need three, four, five weeks, but I'm getting there," De Bruyne said at the launch of FIFA 19 on Thursday. "Hopefully, I can be back soon, help the team, and perform well."
City manager Pep Guardiola said the midfielder is progressing well, but would not say if he will be back to face United.
"I spoke with the doctors sometimes and he's telling me he's going so well, going good, but I don't know [when he will be ready]," Guardiola said. "He has to come back to training sessions, see how he works.
"The important thing is when he comes back on the pitch, he's completely fit and can finish the rest of the season."
Meanwhile, defender Benjamin Mendy will miss his third consecutive game on Saturday against Cardiff City after bruising the fifth metatarsal of his left foot.
Mendy missed most of last season after tearing ligaments in his right knee, and after an impressive start to this campaign, has missed City's last two matches.
City are also without backup goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who is out for around six months after rupturing his left Achilles tendon three weeks ago.