Gundogan named to City's bench for friendly after long-term absence

Ilkay Gundogan will have a chance to appear in his first match since December 2016 after Pep Guardiola named the German, whose debut season in England was cut short due to a knee injury, to Manchester City's bench ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Girona.

Gundogan last appeared for City on Dec. 14 against Watford when he was forced to leave the contest after damaging ligaments in his knee and was ruled out for several months.

In June, he returned to training but was unable to feature during City's pre-season tour.

The 26-year-old managed to score five goals and register one assist in 16 appearances.