David Silva in Spain for treatment on latest injury

David Silva has flown to Spain for treatment from the national team's medical department on his injured ankle, with Manchester City hopeful he could return for their three potentially season-defining fixtures this month.

Silva suffered the problem in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium, the 30-year-old being forced off on 77 minutes.

This was the Spaniard's ninth separate ankle injury since he joined City in June 2010 and the forward had been playing in pain for some time, Manuel Pellegrini said afterwards.

Although Silva is considered a serious doubt for Sunday’s visit of Tottenham, Pellegrini is more optimistic about him returning for the League Cup final the following Sunday.

The game against Liverpool at Wembley is the start of a pivotal week for the club. The following Wednesday City are at Dynamo Kyiv for the Champions League last-16 first leg, before travelling on Sunday to Chelsea for an FA Cup fifth-round tie.

Silva flew to his homeland on Sunday and it is understood he is seeing a trusted specialist from Spain’s medical department in an attempt to find the best cure.

Silva has missed around six weeks of the season because of his previous ankle injury.

Ruled out

The playmaker was ruled out from October 9th when he played in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Luxembourg until the 3-1 win over Southampton on November 28th.

Everton's John Stones and Tim Howard are on the verge of returning from injury and are in contention for Saturday's Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion, manager Roberto Martinez said.

Defender Stones and goalkeeper Howard, with hamstring and knee injury respectively, were forced to sit out thumping league victories over Newcastle United and Stoke City.

“John had a really good feeling after his work and we are hoping that he can join the group this week leading up to the West Brom game,” Martinez said. “Howard is very similar. He had a very good session on a one-to-one basis. Hopefully they will be available for the West Brom game, if not at the maximum Bournemouth.”

Martinez said combative midfielder Muhamed Besic is not expected to be fit for the visit of West Brom as he continues to recover from the hamstring problem which has kept him out since the loss to Swansea City last month.

Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers have announced the death of Phil Gartside, their chairman since 1999, at the age of 63.

Gartside stepped back from his club duties three months ago when his family revealed he was seriously ill Guardian Service