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James Crawley writes

Posted Thursday, February 15th 2018 @CrawleyJames92

Pisano won't be rushed back - McAllister

Thursday, February 15th 2018

City have a number of key players returning over the next month or so, with Eros Pisano now back in full training.

But the Leeds United fixture on Sunday (February 18th) is expected to come too soon for the Italian full-back, who has not featured since City's win against Fulham on October 31st.

He is now back training with his first-team colleagues as he closes in on a full recovery after injuring his hamstring.

But he won't be rushed back into the team, says assistant head coach Jamie McAllister.

Elsewhere, striker Milan Djuric (groin) is also due to return to England this weekend, after seeing a specialist in Italy.

Speaking to BCTV ahead of the Leeds United clash in the Sky Bet Championship, McAllister said: "Milan will be back from Italy on Saturday and Eros has been training with the group, slowly building himself up.

"He looked good in training but we need to be careful we don’t bring him back too soon. He looks fit, strong and we will see how he gets on."

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Defender Jens Hegeler (knee) and winger Callum O'Dowda (ankle) remain a few weeks away from returning to full training but the pair are also making good progress, following their long-term injuries.

McAllister said: "They are probably three-four weeks before they will be integrated with the group. They have been at St George’s Park for the last week or so with their rehab but they are both coming along nicely, looking strong."

Bobby Reid has recovered from a knock he sustained during the 3-3 draw with Sunderland last weekend, while Matty Taylor's hernia operation "went well" and he is due back within three weeks.

Nathan Baker will serve the last of his three-game suspension, while Leeds will play without the likes of Samuel Saiz, Gaetano Berardi and Liam Cooper.

Leeds United V City at Elland Road kicks off at 4.30pm.