Man City receive big boost with Oscar Bobb on brink of return after five-month injury lay-off as Pep Guardiola’s side enter defining period of season

Oscar Bobb is fighting to prove his fitness and bring an end to five months on the sidelines when Manchester City go to Arsenal this weekend.

The Norway international was set to become a breakout star for Pep Guardiola this season before fracturing a bone in his leg during a training session in August.

Bobb had shone in pre-season and at the Community Shield, with Guardiola ready to give the 21-year-old a run as first-choice on the right wing.

City have missed Bobb’s intensity during a dismal run of form but did welcome him back into first-team training a fortnight ago.

Bobb is understood to have a slim chance of making the trip to the Emirates, with the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Leyton Orient a week later seen as more of a guarantee.

Having the additional option will provide Guardiola with a major boost amid a tough fixture list, with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest all on the horizon in the Premier League.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola will be delighted to have another attacking option available with big fixtures coming thick and fast for his club – both domestically and in Europe

Oscar Bobb returned to training two weeks ago and could be available to face Arsenal

Should City beat Club Bruges in the Champions League on Wednesday, they will have two additional matches in February’s playoff round to determine whether they reach the last 16.

City could make three changes to their European squad for the knockout stage. Bobb was not registered in September following his injury but can qualify as a ‘B List’ player – reserved for youngsters who have starred for a club’s academy – so his inclusion wouldn’t count towards the allotted alterations.