PHOTOS: De Bruyne returns to Manchester City training

Manchester City could receive a huge boost as soon as early April, after Kevin De Bruyne has returned to training at the Etihad Campus.

The club website predicts the Belgian midfielder will return to contention following the international break at the end of the month, meaning he'll only miss three more matches - against Norwich City, Dynamo Kyiv, and Manchester United - and could feature in the final eight games of the Premier League campaign.

(Courtesy: MCFC)

City's record signing fell to the injury after playing a starring role off the bench in a League Cup tie against Everton in January. Within 10 minutes of being introduced, De Bruyne grabbed a goal and an assist that ultimately booked his side's route into the final. Unfortunately for the club, the 24-year-old tore knee and ankle ligaments shortly after, missing the next nine outings.

De Bruyne continues to work apart from the rest of the squad with strength and conditioning coach Simon Bitcon.

The Manchester Evening News' Stuart Brennan also reports fellow midfielders Samir Nasri and Fabian Delph are expected to be available around the same time as De Bruyne. After being set back by injuries, both players are set to add to Manuel Pellegrini's options for the remainder of this term.

City's still on the hunt for two more pieces of silverware after hoisting the League Cup in February. A 3-1 advantage over Dynamo in the first leg has the side nearing advancement to the Champions League last eight, while three teams and 10 points are currently denying City a place atop the Premier League table.

Pellegrini takes his men to struggling Norwich City on Saturday, and has 10 matches remaining of the domestic season to try to pick up the second league title of his reign.