Vincent Kompany has given Manchester City a huge boost by returning to first-team training.
The City captain has played just nine minutes in three months after suffering another calf strain -- the 13th time he has suffered the injury since joining the club in 2008.
Kompany has made just 12 appearances this season and has not started a game since the Champions League victory over Sevilla on Nov. 3.
He came off the bench against Sunderland on Boxing Day but limped off shortly after with a recurrence of the injury.
The 29-year-old defender has started just eight Premier League games and City have conceded only one goal with him on the pitch.
But Manuel Pellegrini's side have suffered without his experience and leadership at the back -- with seven of their eight defeats this season coming when Kompany was missing.
And the Belgium international's return could be perfect timing for Pellegrini as they challenge for four major trophies.
City face a busy schedule although Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Leicester City will come to quickly.
The Blues face third-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Feb. 14 in the Premier League. That's followed by an FA Cup clash at Chelsea, the Champions League round-of-16 tie with Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine and the Capital One Cup final against Liverpool.
England midfielder Fabian Delph was also back in full training after missing Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Sunderland.
Meanwhile, City have confirmed that 19-year-old striker Kelechi Iheanacho has replaced Samir Nasri in the Champions League squad submitted to UEFA.
The French midfielder has been out of action with a tendon injury since Sept. 15.