Dunne was originally thought to be sidelined for three months but has made a miraculous recovery to take part in training this week while manager Stuart Pearce is said to be happy with Joey Barton's progess after he spent the start of the week at anger management classes.
Sylvain Distin is also set to make a return to action sooner than anticipated with the clash with Birmingham next weekend a distinct possibility.
Meanwhile, City are being linked with 34-year-old Barcelona legend Josep Guardiola and have offered a six-month contract to Qatar international Yasser Hussain, subject to being granted a work permit.
There are still some tickets left for Saturday's clash against Bryan Robson's men at the COM's stadium, kick-off 3pm.