Manchester City: Kolo Toure Set for Return Following 6-Month Drug Ban

It's finally over. Kolo Toure is set to return to Manchester City following his doping ban, which may relegate England international Joleon Lescott to Roberto Mancini's bench.

Toure is keen on fighting for a place in City's starting XI. He spoke with Manchester City's official website following the end of his six month ban, stating:

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"I feel totally recharged and as fit as I've ever been in my life. Hopefully, it will be like having a new signing because I am back and want to challenge for a first-team place.

"I know it won't be easy because the team is playing so well, but I'll be pushing hard for an opportunity.

"I immediately realized the implications for my career, the club and my family. It was an awful moment because I didn't know what was going to happen.

"It's been hard, but my family and the club have been amazingly supportive and I thank them from the bottom of my heart."

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Toure has been one of the Premier League's top defenders since joining Arsenal in 2002. He moved to City, after winning five trophies with the Gunners, in 2009 and the Ivorian has made 56 appearances for City, scoring three goals.

City's next game is on the 10th of September at home against Wigan Athletic. Will Toure feature in Mancini's squad versus the Latics?

Starting him would be highly doubtful, but Mancini does fancy bringing on defenders when his side is in front. Against Wigan, City will surely be in front by the latter stages of the second half.

That being said, I would be surprised if Toure did not get a cameo appearance in front of the home fans on the 10th of September.