Ilkay Gundogan is ready to make his first start for Manchester City in nine months, and hopes Wednesday's League Cup third-round match against West Brom will provide that opportunity.

The Germany international made his return from a knee injury on Saturday, coming on as a sub in City's 6-0 trouncing of Watford.

And while the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder admits he's still not at his best pre-injury form, he's ready to resume playing regularly once more.

"If I said I am the same player as I was a year ago, I would be lying," Gundogan told multiple outlets in the UK.

"I mean, through the injury, you don't feel the same. You don't feel as though you are the most powerful guy in the world, not that I ever did.

Ilkay Gundogan came on as a sub in Man City's thrashing of Watford on Saturday. Getty Images

"Of course, I had two injuries on my knee and I know what to do to prepare myself for the games and to warm my knee up and be generally fit. I will do everything to be as fit as possible.

"That could be it for all the injuries! I think I am done, now! I am ready to continue playing, to keep fit. To enjoy playing.

"As a footballer, you want to play as much as possible, to be honest.

"Wednesday would be a good opportunity to do it but the manager will decide.

"If he thinks I am ready, I am ready. I am there. I am waiting for him to say."