Yaya Toure Injury: Updates on Manchester City Star's Hamstring and Return

Yaya Toure returned to Manchester City's lineup during the Champions League tie with Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday, relayed by City. The Ivorian midfielder previously exited City's 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur with a niggling injury.

City were already losing 2-1 when Yaya was substituted in the 55th minute, handing the captain's armband over to Aleksandar Kolarov and making way for Jesus Navas. According to ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery on Sept. 26, Toure had a "problem with his hamstring."

Toure was not his usual influential self last year, but he remains one of City's most important cogs in the championship contending wheel. 

Last season, the 32-year-old started 27 games in the domestic league, per WhoScored.com, scoring 10 times from his central berth behind the striker. 

Without Toure, City are certainly weaker as a unit, but there were times last season when the player's lack of defensive work damaged the balance of the side. 

As Yaya ages, he will become a less effective entity for the Etihad club—but as things stand, they do not have a talent with his power and goal threat. He started the match against Spurs in the No. 10 slot, which is normally reserved for David Silva, so expect the Spaniard to resume his role now that he's also fit. 

Kevin De Bruyne is another option, but both are attack-minded midfielders who offer little when it comes to the physical battles in midfield.