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Just when they thought they had him back, the football gods took him away again.

It will be five weeks at least until Manchester City fans get to witness Kevin de Bruyne stroke a beautiful, pin-point pass in anger, after he injured his knee (the other one this time) in the League Cup win over Fulham on Tuesday.

It's a blow, without question (including for all those fantasy football managers who have patiently clung on to him in anticipation of his return). However, it's not like City have done badly without him.

I'm sure David, Bernardo, Fernandinho, Riyad, young Phil and the rest will manage.

There is also some Scottish Premiership action taking place right now, in the shape of Kilmarnock v Aberdeen, with our man Clive Lindsay detailing the action via live text.

In a bit, there'll be a whole game of Championship football, with Wigan hosting Leeds at the DW Stadium.

Unfortunately, Manchester City v Southampton is text-only as regards full commentary here at the BBC. You'll have to stick with me and trust my descriptive skills.

Later, though, you can tune in and treat your ears to Chelsea v Crystal Palace on BBC Radio 5 live.

If you want to watch some football on the BBC, you can do so right now by clicking here and pressing the play button for Arsenal v Birmingham in the Women's Super League.

Interesting one, this Rooney return. Is it a good thing? Seen as it's for charity and all? Or does it cheapen the earning of England caps? Especially as Gareth Southgate has voiced an unwillingness to hand out undeserved international appearances.

What do you reckon?

You can contact us using the usual methods - #bbcfootball on Twitter, or via text (81111 UK only).

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So, the big football story this morning is that Wayne Rooney is set to come out of international retirement to make a farewell appearance for England against the United States later this month.

The 33-year-old - England's record goalscorer with 53 - has not played for the Three Lions since a 3-0 victory over Scotland in November 2016.

But Rooney, who plays for DC United, is expected to earn his 120th cap in the friendly at Wembley on 15 November.

The game will raise funds for the Wayne Rooney Foundation.

OK, I've gone early with the big finale chat. Let's stick to today only.

After Liverpool retook top spot in the table yesterday with their draw at Arsenal, Sunday offers the opportunity for Manchester City and Chelsea to strike back.

Obviously, they can't both be top, so City have first pop at the summit courtesy of a home win... sorry game with Southampton. If they do slip up, Chelsea (the Tenzing Norgay of this situation) can have a go at hitting the peak themselves, which they'll do by beating Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Say it quietly, but this is shaping up to be a brilliant title tussle.

Granted, we've got a long, old way to go before we reach the business end, but with Arsenal's resurgence throwing them back into the mix with Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham (Man Utd too? And why not Bournemouth?) we have the makings of a potential classic.

Oh for another finale like this...

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Or, if you're a bit older, this...

Image source, Getty Images