Roberto Mancini has revealed that Carlos Tevez could play for the club again after failing to move in the January transfer window.
The Argentinian international has been included in City's 25-man squad for the rest of the Premier League season, despite still being in his homeland.
AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain all failed to agree a deal for the striker last month and although he looked to have played his last game for City, he could yet still feature between now and May.
The 27-year-old has not played a competitive match for his club since September 21, after a public fallout with Mancini - who stated after the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich that Tevez would not play for him again.
City, who only now top the table on goal difference, are waiting to see if the 27-year-old will return to the UK before making a decision.
Mancini said: "If he comes back - and he is fit - it is possible. I hope for him he has been training in the last three months to help his condition."
City face a home clash with Fulham on Saturday evening, before back-to-back away games at Aston Villa and at Porto in the Europa League.