Gundogan on way back

Ilkay Gundogan hopes to be back in training with Manchester City at the start of pre-season. The German midfielder’s first campaign ended prematurely when he underwent surgery to repair cruciate ligament damage last December.

Gundogan was one of Pep Guardiola’s first signings when he joined the club in a £20million deal from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

The 26-year-old said: “It is getting better. It is a little bit frustrating but injuries are part of football. Hopefully I can start pre-season.”