Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy flexes injured knee as he steps up recovery following surgery

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Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy remains a long way short of full fitness. But the left-back was seen flexing his knee on Wednesday as he continues to take short steps on the long road towards recovery.

City's first-choice left back Mendy could miss the rest of his first season in England after he sustained a ruptured cruciate ligament in only his fifth appearance last month.

The France international had impressed in his first few weeks under Pep Guardiola. But the £52million signing's debut season was derailed when he was injured during their victory over Crystal Palace.

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Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been bending his knee following surgery

It's feared Mendy will be out for the season after the injury against Crystal Palace last month

The defender has since been keeping City fans abreast of his recovery, showing his stitches being removed earlier this week. And on Wednesday, the Frenchman showed himself bending his knee as he continues his recovery in Spain.

In a video posted on his official Instagram page, Mendy can be seen flexing his knee joint as he endeavours to rebuild the strength in his right leg.

After suffering the serious  injury, the 23-year-old underwent surgery on the injury in Barcelona and City manager Pep Guardiola admitted the defender's absence is a big loss.

'We would miss him a lot – it would be a major setback,' Guardiola said. 'It's very frustrating for him.

'Like what happened last year with Ilkay Gundogan, I feel really sad. For the way we want to play, he is a unique player.'

Mendy has endeavoured to keep his fans up to date with his recovery through his social media 

The 23-year-old had impressed following his £52million transfer from Monaco this summer