Manchester City playmaker David Silva (hamstring) could return for Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.
Midfielder James Milner (hamstring) and left-back Gael Clichy (ankle) are also hoping to prove their fitness while midfielder Yaya Toure returns to the team after his midweek European suspension.
Defender Aleksandar Kolarov (ankle) has been ruled out of the clash at the Etihad Stadium, leaving him on the sidelines with right-back Micah Richards (knee).
Provisional squad: Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Maicon, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, K Toure, Nastasic, Nasri, Milner, Y Toure, Barry, Garcia, Sinclair, Silva, Aguero, Tevez, Balotelli, Dzeko.