Bridge in line for City comeback

Wayne Bridge could return to the Manchester City starting line-up for Saturday afternoon's Premier League clash with Hull.

The full-back has been absent since injuring a knee against former club Chelsea at the beginning of December.

Since then Bridge has been caught up in the allegations about England captain John Terry's private life.

The Chelsea star has faced calls for his resignation as skipper following allegations that he had an affair with the ex-partner of England team-mate Bridge.

Terry has already figured twice for Chelsea since his position as England captain came under threat.

And now it appears Bridge, along with fellow long-time absentee Joleon Lescott, is on the brink of a comeback.

"I spoke to Joleon and he is very happy," City fitness coach Ivan Carminati told the Manchester Evening News.

"His knee is very strong and unless things change he could be involved in the next match - and so could Wayne Bridge."

While Bridge is bound to be the centre of attention at the KC Stadium, where Terry appeared two days ago in Chelsea's disappointing 1-1 draw, Blues boss Roberto Mancini wants the 29-year-old back in action to aid his side's push for a top four berth.

City are currently just a point behind fourth-placed Tottenham but have two matches in hand and are the bookmakers' favourites to clinch that prized Champions League spot ahead of Spurs, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Although they did not make much of an impact during the January transfer window compared to last season, City have managed to bolster their midfield.

Patrick Vieira brings additional experience, even though the 33-year-old is still waiting to make his debut after arriving from Inter Milan with a calf strain.

Youth comes in the form of the highly-rated England Under-21 star Adam Johnson, who joined on deadline day from Middlesbrough.