Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has denied targeting a comeback in next month's Manchester derby after more than five months on the sidelines, despite the quotes originally coming from his own club's website.
Mendy, 23, suffered knee ligament damage in the Premier League leaders' 5-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in September.
The left-back had initially hoped to be fit around the time of the Champions League semifinals in late April but his recovery from surgery is ahead of schedule and he was quoted as saying he wanted to be involved when City host rivals Manchester United on April 7.
However, the France international took to Twitter to question the quotes, and insisted "it will take as long as I need until I'm 100%."
🤔 hummm not sure where or when I said that but ... calm down guys, no rush or pressure it will take as long as I need until I'm 100% https://t.co/CRysUTXFhE
— Benjamin Mendy (@benmendy23) March 2, 2018
The former Monaco defender had been quoted on the club's website as saying: "The Manchester derby is a realistic aim. That's half-clear in my mind. I really want to play that game. When I started my recovery, I had in mind the semifinals of the Champions League. That was my goal, but I am coming back a bit quicker than expected originally so maybe it will be possible for me to return sooner than that. I believe in this.
"I think it's possible for me to come back within four weeks. It's not a good thing to come back too soon and you have to take your time. We will see how things go but I am working hard and optimistic.''
Mendy made only five appearances before being sidelined at City following his £52 million move from Monaco last summer.
Mendy is confident of hitting the ground running when he does return and of doing enough to reclaim a place in France's World Cup plans.
"Of course, there is the World Cup on the horizon too. For me, there is no doubt regarding the World Cup," he said. "After I return, it's on me to impress. I have to make sure I come back well and to keep the rhythm. Before it was one of my targets, but now I know it will be fine.''