Ilkay Gundogan could be available to make his second debut for Premier League champions Manchester City when they face Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
On Friday morning, it was confirmed that the 33-year-old midfielder has re-joined the Citizens on a free transfer from Barcelona after just one season at Camp Nou, and if his international clearance arrives in time for this weekend's 3pm kickoff, then Pep Guardiola will be able to select the German in his matchday squad.
It seems unlikely that Gundogan would be thrown straight into the starting lineup should he be registered in time, while Guardiola has revealed that fellow midfielder Rodri - who missed last weekend's 2-0 win over Chelsea and has since trained away from the first-team squad - is unlikely to feature against Ipswich.
One player who remains sidelined is Oscar Bobb who recently underwent surgery on a fractured leg, but summer signing Savinho - who came off at half time on his debut against Chelsea with a minor knee issue - could be fit to feature against Ipswich after taking part in training this week.
England trio Kyle Walker, John Stones and newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden all began as substitutes against Chelsea following an extended summer break, but they have all trained and should be in contention to start on Saturday.
Mateo Kovacic capped a standout midfield display with a goal against his former club Chelsea and he could continue in the 'Rodri role' if the Spaniard is not deemed fit to start, while Rico Lewis will also be hoping to maintain his place in the first XI after an impressive performance at Stamford Bridge.
Erling Haaland marked his 100th Man City appearance with his 91st goal for the club last time out and is expected to lead the line once again against Ipswich, while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are also set to feature in the starting lineup.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, De Bruyne; Bernardo, Foden, Doku, Haaland
> Click here to see how Ipswich Town could line up for this contest
Oliver Thomas
