Vamos -- Let's go! On Friday, Thiago continued his energetic efforts as he recovers from long-term injury. Just like the previous day, the Spaniard spent the morning completing a series of drills including running and slalom dribbling, increasing his pace all the time. "I think he'll be back training with us in a very short time," commented Pep Guardiola. The boss can hardly wait to welcome the gifted midfielder back to his squad: "It could be two to three weeks or maybe a month," the coach said.

Thiago reported to chief medical officer Dr. Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt on Wednesday for a check-up and progress examination. "The doctors told me his knee is healing well. We believe he's entered the final stage of treatment," Guardiola said, explaining that the speed with which Thiago can complete his rehab programme will depend how the injured knee responds to the increased training burden. "His knee has to do the talking," said Guardiola, who is confident of a positive outcome: "The doctors are very optimistic and Thiago is optimistic, so I am too."

Thiago last featured in a competitive match 11 months ago on 29 March 2014. The 23-year-old subsequently suffered repeat partial ligament tears to his right knee in March, May and October, but an end to his long spell on the sidelines is now in sight. Vamos!