Kolo Ban at an end

Above: The central defender's ban for failing a drugs test ends on Friday

Kolo Toure will make his official return to Manchester City on Friday.

The central defender’s ban for failing a drugs test ends that day, enabling him to take part in full training once again.

Toure, 30 (below) has been training on his own during his ban and City already have a programme in place to bring him up to speed as quickly as possible.

The ex-Arsenal defender has served a six-month suspension for a banned substance.

And the Ivory Coast international is determined to challenge for a place in City’s back four as soon as possible.

He missed the end of last season when City won their first trophy in 35 years and is desperate to get back in the thick of the action as soon as possible.