Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge hopes to return from injury in his side's Premier League clash against Blackburn on September 11.

Bridge has been out of action since suffering a broken foot in pre-season but the former Chelsea left-back expects to return to training during the current international break.

If the 30-year-old comes through training unscathed, he is sure to be in City manager Roberto Mancini's plans for Blackburn's visit to Eastlands.

Mancini signed Alexander Kolarov from Lazio in the close-season to compete with Bridge, but the Serbian left-back has been sidelined since sustaining an ankle ligament injury in his debut at Tottenham.

Although Bridge admits it has been hard sitting on the sidelines, he knows it was vital not to aggravate the problem and risk a longer absence.

"It has been frustrating because it is one of those where you have to wait in case the fracture gets worse," Bridge told City's website.

"But the injury has seemed a lot better over the past few days and I should be back in training either some time this week or next.

"I have been working hard doing bike work, rowing and a bit of boxing, so I feel fit.

"Hopefully I can slot back in and not find training too hard when I get back then it will be fingers crossed for Blackburn."