David Silva could make his Manchester City comeback against Norwich on Saturday as the Premier League leaders hope he will be fit their Champions League clash with Sevilla.
Silva has missed City's last three games with an ankle sprain sustained on international duty and will sit out Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Crystal Palace.
But manager Manuel Pellegrini believes he could be back in contention for Saturday's home game against Norwich, which is followed by the crucial trip to Sevilla for Tuesday's European tie.
"With David we are optimistic for the weekend, if not then next week," Pellegrini said in a news conference.
Silva's return would be particularly welcome for City as they are also without fellow midfielder Samir Nasri and top scorer Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine, who has struck eight times this season, is set to be out for a month with a hamstring injury incurred playing for his country against Ecuador.
Aguero had hoped to return in time to figure for his country against Brazil on Nov. 13 but has been omitted for from their squad and is unlikely to feature for his club before the international break.
But Pellegrini had some encouraging news, adding: "He is improving, but he has some time more to be 100 percent recovered."
Midfielder Fabian Delph, who has only made two substitute appearances since his £8 million summer move from Aston Villa, could return against his former club next weekend.
The England international has suffered from two hamstring injuries this season but is back in training.
And Pellegrini said: "He's coming back from a long injury. I hope that next week, if he works the whole week with the squad, he can be ready for Aston Villa."