Man City’s Gareth Barry hopes to return for Premier League kick-off

Gareth Barry has hinted he hopes to make his Manchester City return in time for the start of the Premier League after the midfielder missed England’s Euro 2012 campaign due to injury.

The 31-year-old was forced out of Roy Hodgson’s squad after suffering a tear in his lower abdomen during the second half of England’s 1-0 victory over Norway in their penultimate warm-up game ahead of the European championship in May.

Barry, who underwent a hernia operation in Munich a fortnight ago, was a mainstay of Roberto Mancini’s side who won the Premier League title courtesy of a dramatic 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season.

“The early signs are really good. The scars have healed really well, but we will see how I feel when I start playing again. Fingers crossed it will all have healed up,” Barry told City’s website.

“I think the worst of it is over now. There will be a two-week healing process, and I have started my rehab to try to get fit and catch up with the rest of the lads.

“I don’t really want to put a timescale on it, but hopefully I will be ready for the main games starting.

“At the minute, my mind is just set on being fit and being out there 100 per cent and try and feature in as many games as possible this season.”

Barry has scored six goals in 134 appearances for the Eastlands outfit after completing a £12m move from Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium in June 2009.

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