Lescott fights for fitness

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Joleon Lescott's World Cup dream is driving him on as he battles to overcome the tricky injury that could rule him out of match action for up to six weeks.

The luckless England defender, who was forced to miss 12 games earlier this season due to knee surgery, is using an oxygen chamber in an effort to speed up the recovery process.

He has already sat out the last three matches, including the reunion with his former club Everton, and it could be another month before he can be considered for selection.

England manager Fabio Capello is monitoring his progress and will hope Lescott, 27, can squeeze in the last couple of games as City press on for a Champions League finish.

But despite intensive treatment including injections, recovery from the injury, a partial tear to the hamstring tendon similar to the one that ruled out Michael Owen, cannot be rushed.

Fellow defender Micah Richards is still recovering from a patella tendon injury and doubtful to face Birmingham, while versatile Pablo Zabaleta completes a two-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Stuart Taylor is looking at a three-week lay-off after routine surgery to clean out a painful knee, so Faroe Islander Gunnar Nielsen will be on the bench on Sunday.

mcfc.co.uk