After five months, Oscar Bobb has returned to Manchester City training, handing Pep Guardiola a major injury boost at the start of the new year.

Bobb was City's best player in pre-season and set up Bernardo Silva's equaliser in the Community Shield at Wembley in August. But a freak leg break in training in the week before the opening game of the Premier League season sidelined the young Norwegian just as he prepared to stake a claim for more games this term.

City have struggled with multiple injuries in Bobb's absence, so the sight of him smiling in training on Wednesday hands everyone involved a huge boost. Bobb had been slated to return either this month or next, and has spoken in recent weeks of returning as strong as possible rather than as fast as possible.

READ MORE: Man City might have perfect sweetener to get Omar Marmoush transfer over the line

READ MORE: Kevin De Bruyne has contract help that Man City could use against Kyle Walker

That could mean City are patient with his recovery and return to a matchday squad, conscious not to aggravate his injury further. Pep Guardiola has echoed Bobb's statements, saying he will not rush the winger back, although he has also named Bobb as a player who can help improve the attack on his return.

Bobb was sighted in a squad photo celebrating Kevin De Bruyne's 400th game for City against West Ham last weekend. There was no Erling Haaland, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones or Ruben Dias in the picture - although it may not have featured every player in the session.

Ederson continued his return as he trained, while there were also six academy players in the group who could get on the pitch against City's League Two opposition on Saturday evening.

As well as James McAtee, who will be hoping for a rare start, there was Nico O'Reilly and Jacob Wright in the group who have both featured in cup competitions this season, while centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey could earn a start to ease Nathan Ake's workload.

Summer signing Divin Mubama has been in recent matchday squads and has played senior football for West Ham so could be in line for a debut, as could defender Max Alleyne who was also in Guardiola's training squad. Finally, left-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand was present as he has been in training most of the season - he is considered a first team player but is yet to feature this season.

City do not expect any of those fringe players to leave on loan this month, but equally won't stand in their way if a good proposal comes along. So the FA Cup could represent a useful opportunity to get on the pitch and show the manager what they can offer.