Kevin De Bruyne is back! Man City handed huge boost as assist king returns to squad for Sheffield United clash having recovered from surgery on torn hamstring

The Belgian was named on the bench for City's match at home to Sheffield United. He has not featured for Pep Guardiola's side since tearing his hamstring against Burnley on the opening day of the Premier League season in August.

The injury was a recurrence of the problem De Bruyne suffered during the Champions League final against Inter Milan and he decided to undergo surgery on his hamstring. He returned to training earlier this month and could come off the bench against the Blades, who are bottom of the Premier League table.

De Bruyne has assisted 152 goals for City and had his best-ever season in terms of creativity last season, setting up 31 goals during the treble-winning campaign.

City have a relatively comfortable set of fixtures for De Bruyne to ease his way back into action. After facing Sheffield United, Guardiola's side host Championship outfit Huddersfield in the FA Cup and then visit Newcastle before taking a two-week break from action.