Vincent Kompany is expected to return to Manchester City training within 10 days after a muscular problem, says Pep Guardiola.
City captain Kompany has not played since picking up a calf injury for Belgium at the end of August and this week travelled to Barcelona to see Dr Ramon Cugat, a close friend of Guardiola.
The centre-back is expected to rejoin his team-mates before the end of next week, but will not be available to face West Brom on Saturday.
"He's much better," Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. "I think in the next one week or 10 days he will be back."
Guardiola once again denied claims his team could carry on their excellent start to the season and remain unbeaten throughout the campaign, telling the media to "forget about that".
While Guardiola would not agree with opposite number Tony Pulis' claim Manchester City are "the form team in Europe", the former Barcelona boss heaped praise on three of his English players who are currently away from the City camp.
Curtis Anderson (goalkeeper), Joel Latibeaudiere (defender) and Phil Foden (midfielder) have all featured as part of England's side which has reached the final of the U17 World Cup.
Guardiola insisted he will try to watch the final against his home country, Spain, and believes the competition has provided a platform for the youngsters to impress - despite their first-team involvement.
"We are so happy for Joel, the goalkeeper [Anderson], and Phil," said Guardiola. "It's good for English football. That is fantastic. Big congratulations to the team. The final will not be easy against Spain but it's good.
"Phil is [already] training with us. Joel came sometimes for training and helped us a lot but regularly Phil and Brahim (Diaz) help us a lot.
"He [Foden] had the opportunity to stay with us and maybe play against Wolves but we believe when these guys have the option to play a World Cup, for them it is an amazing opportunity."