The City midfielder, who has been sidelined with knee ligament damage suffered during a training session last December, has ruled himself out of being fit for the start of the new Premier League season in August but is hopeful of being ready for a return to action the following month.
'I won't be ready for the start of season, but everything is going well and we're looking at probably September time," he has told the club's official website.
'I'm working hard and my knee feels good, it feels normal again. It's about building fitness now and not doing anything too quickly. One mistake and you're back to square one or worse.
'Lately it's been going so well I've been running a bit too fast - well, I have been out for five months.
'But I'm being told 'slow down', and I have to put the reins on and hold back. I've been back to the surgeon three times for check-ups and he's given the all-clear each time. You have to return after six months, so I'll see him in another month or so.'
'These things make you mentally tougher. I had to stop and my studs got stuck in the turf, it wasn't just the cruciate, but I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me.
'I was out the year before, so when you find out you're going to have 12 months off again it's gutting, but you have been through it before - you know you can get through it again.'