Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov has revealed that his return to action will be delayed until towards the end of the month.

The Bulgarian international had been expected to make a comeback after his serious knee injury against Reading this weekend or Tottenham a week on Sunday.

"I am preparing intensively, doing yoga exercises and working hard in the gym," Bojinov told radio Gong.

"The aim is to strengthen my muscles and regain explosiveness in my sprints.

"Most likely I will be ready for the game against Bolton on 22 March."

City are light on attacking options, with Benjani and Darius Vassell the only other recognised strikers after the exits of Georgios Samaras to Celtic and Rolando Bianchi to Lazio.

City travel to Reading this weekend having won only one league game in their last seven. That came at Old Trafford against city rivals Manchester United.

Pawel Dimow / Eurosport