Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan takes part in training session as he nears return from cruciate knee ligament injury

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has stepped up his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury by taking part in a light training session on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old German midfielder has not played for City since December 14 after suffering the serious injury in a 2-0 home win over Watford.

And after a long rehabilitation process, Gundogan is now back in training and looked mobile enough as he sprinted, weaved in and out of cones, and took part in some passing and shooting drills.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan continued his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury as he trained at the club's training ground on Tuesday

The Germany international was able to complete a light session as he closes in on a return

Gundogan weaves in and out of the poles with a football as he trains on Tuesday

It looks as though Gundogan will return for the start of pre-season training and will seek to win a place in Pep Guardiola's side during their pre-season tour of the United States.