David Silva has given Manchester City a boost by returning to training after being stretchered off against West Ham.Silva appeared to have been seriously injured on Sunday when he was caught in the face by an elbow from West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate.The Spain international received around eight minutes of treatment on the field at the Etihad Stadium before being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital for examination.But tests revealed the 29-year-old had suffered no fractures and the club were hopeful he could make swift return to action.That could now be possible with Silva pictured giving cameras a thumbs-up gesture as he returned to training on Tuesday, although he will continue to be monitored this week.Kouyate has taken to Twitter to apologise to Silva. “I would like to say to Silva that I am very sorry that you were injured during the match on Sunday, but it was not my intention,he wrote.
Manchester City face FA Cup finalists Aston Villa in their next Premier League game on Saturday evening.News of Silva’s recovery is good news for manager Manuel Pellegrini given the club’s already lengthy injury list.Captain Vincent Kompany is out with a groin injury and might not be fit to return before the end of the season.Midfielder James Milner, defender Gael Clichy and strikers Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic were also sidelined for the 2-0 win over the Hammers.