Yaya Toure insists anything is possible in Manchester City's defence of their Premier League title.
Toure has spent the last month on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and in his absence City have seen Manchester United increase their lead in the Premier League table to nine points.
They have the opportunity to cut the gap to six when they travel to Southampton on Saturday, 24 hours before United host Everton at Old Trafford, and having overturned an eight-point deficit last season Toure believes City have every chance of retaining the title.
"We are further behind than we'd like, of course, but all we need to do is think about last season to know what is possible," he told the club's official website.
"My friends are all here and are happy to see me and we are like a family or brothers who will all fight together - and that is a very important thing to have.
"United have a strong squad and, on paper, they have an easier run in than we do but the title race is a long way from finished.
"It only takes a couple of results to go our way and we're right back in it - I'm sure we'll come back."
Toure's brother Kolo is also back following the Africa Cup of Nations and his return will provide manager Roberto Mancini will much-needed cover at the back with captain Vincent Kompany a major doubt for the trip to St Mary's.