Manchester City playmaker David Silva has returned to training, the club have reported. Silva looked to have been seriously injured on Sunday when he was caught in the face by an elbow from West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate. The Spain international received around eight minutes of treatment on the field at the Etihad Stadium before being carried off on a stretcher and taken to hospital for examination. Manchester City playmaker David Silva gives the thumbs up after returning to training on Tuesday . But tests revealed the 29-year-old had suffered no fractures and the club were hopeful he could make swift return to action. That could now be possible with Silva pictured giving cameras a thumbs-up gesture as he returned to training on Tuesday, although he will continue to be monitored this week. Silva was injured after being caught in the face by an elbow from West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate (right) The Spain international feels the full force of Kouyate's elbow in an accidental challenge on Sunday . The West Ham midfielder has apologised to Silva via his Twitter acount . City face FA Cup finalists Aston Villa in their next Barclays Premier League game on Saturday evening. News of Silva's recovery is a boost for manager Manuel Pellegrini given the club's already lengthy injury list. Silva lies sprawled out on the ground after being struck down by Kouyate's challenge . Medical staff and Manchester City players crowd around the stricken midfielder . Silva required eight minutes of treatment, which included wearing an oxygen mask . The 29-year-old was eventually taken to hospital where tests revealed that he had not suffered a fracture . Captain Vincent Kompany is out with a groin injury and might not be fit to return before the end of the season. Midfielder James Milner, defender Gael Clichy and strikers Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic were also sidelined for the 2-0 win over the Hammers. Vincent Kompany (right) was forced to watch from the stands as he continues his recovery from  injury .
David Silva has returned to training after being caught in the face by an elbow from West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate .
Manchester City star required extensive treatment on the pitch before being sent to hospital where tests revealed no fracture .
Premier League champions face Aston Villa at the Etihad on Saturday .