Zabaleta could now come into the frame to face Sunderland on Sunday at Eastlands after a three-match absence.
It is a welcome boost for manager Roberto Mancini given he is down on numbers at the back.
Micah Richards and Jerome Boateng have joined the injured list while Kolo Toure is also absent as he remains suspended.
Zabaleta was given leave by City to return to Argentina after his father was involved in a serious car crash.
Source: PA
Source: PA