Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney could return to action against City at Eastlands on Saturday.
The Manchester United star has been struggling with an ankle problem he aggravated in the second leg of the Champions League clash to Bayern Munich but has trained this week.
If the 24-year-old suffers no reaction he will be in the squad, Ferguson confirmed.
"He has done some work over the last couple of days and we will see how he is for tomorrow's game," said Ferguson, who also confirmed Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand have an outside chance of being involved at Eastlands.
Rooney's name has again been linked with a big-money bid from Real Madrid, who will be looking to reinforce their squad.
Given the huge debts amassed by the Glazer family, plenty of questions have been raised about the Old Trafford club's ability to resist an offer that could match the world record £80million that Real paid them for Cristiano Ronaldo last year.
However, Ferguson was quick to brush off such talk.
"It is the silly season isn't it," said the United boss.
"It always happens at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney will still be here next year."
