England Premier League Media

A Manchester City footballer is under investigation over allegations that he head butted a Manchester United fan in a nightclub.

Michael Johnson was accused of assaulting the fan, who was singing Manchester United songs at 42nd Street in Manchester city centre in December.

Johnson, 22, was later arrested on suspicion of assault, causing actual bodily harm.

He has been bailed until 14 April, a police spokesman said.

Police said two other men, aged 21 and 22, were also interviewed under caution.

‘Cut face’

Johnson, from Urmston in Greater Manchester, rose through the ranks from Manchester City’s academy.

The midfielder captained City’s youth team and made his first team debut in October 2006.

He has also represented England at under-19 and under-21 level but has been dogged by injury in the last two seasons, and is currently out of action after rupturing his knee ligaments.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Just after 1am on Sunday, 6 December 2009, a patrol car was flagged down and an officer was told a man had been assaulted.

“The 22-year-old victim reported that he had been assaulted in 42nd Street nightclub.

“The man had a cut to the face but no other injuries.”

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010 Kick-off: 1245 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary BBC London DAB, DSAT & Online, BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech is out for at least a month after suffering a calf injury at Inter Milan, so Hilario will deputise in goal.

Juliano Belletti was on the bench at the San Siro and could start.

Manchester City will be without striker Emmanuel Adebayor following his red card at Stoke in midweek.

But Carlos Tevez is available having returned from Argentina following the premature birth of his daughter and looks likely to start.

Chelsea

Injured: Bosingwa, Deco & Essien (all knee), Cech (calf),
A Cole (ankle)

Man City

Suspended: Adebayor (four matches)

Doubtful: Toure & Santa Cruz (both knee)

Injured: M Johnson & Petrov (both knee), Kompany (groin)

The latest chapter in this intriguing Premier League story continues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in a game riddled with subplots.

Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini meet for the first time since their days as rival managers in Milan, but it is the reunion between two former team-mates that will grab all the headlines.

John Terry and Wayne Bridge come face-to-face on the pitch for the first time since the scandal involving their private lives cost the Chelsea captain the England armband. Bridge’s decision this week to quit the national team as a result of the controversy adds yet further spice.

The game also pits English football’s biggest spenders against each other, but only one is chasing silverware.

Despite the millions spent, Manchester City’s 34-year wait for a trophy continues. Mancini has dismissed talk of dressing room unrest, but another limp performance in Wednesday’s FA Cup exit at Stoke and a record of just two wins in eight games suggest all is not well at Eastlands.

While City’s remaining goal is a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League, Chelsea are looking to extend their lead over Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table as they pursue a first title since 2006.

Head-to-head

Manchester City ended a run of eight successive Premier League defeats against Chelsea with their 2-1 win in December.

City have failed to score in their last seven visits to Stamford Bridge. No team in Premier League history has ever gone eight consecutive games without scoring at an opposition’s ground.

Carlos Tevez has scored in each of his last three league starts against Chelsea, all for different teams.

Chelsea

Chelsea have taken 37 points from a possible 39 at Stamford Bridge this season. They are on a run of 37 home games without defeat in all competitions.

The Blues have kept 13 clean sheets in the league this season, more than any other side.

Chelsea’s last three league defeats have all seen them score first and lose 2-1.

Man City

Roberto Mancini has lost four of his 15 games in charge – two defeats more than predecessor Mark Hughes suffered in 21 games this season.

City have won only three Premier League games out of 13 away from home.

They have won just one of their last 11 league matches on the road.

Chelsea

Drogba: 25 goals (19 league); Lampard: 13 goals (10 league)

Man City

Tevez: 19 goals (13 league); Adebayor: 9 goals (9 league)

Referee: Mike Dean

Assistant referees: Bob Pollock & David Coote

Fourth official: Stuart Attwell

Chelsea (W2-0 v Wolves, h): Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Zhirkov (Bruma 56), J Cole, Mikel, Ballack, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. Subs not used: Hilario, Kalou, Sturridge, Matic, Kakuta, Borini.

Man City (D0-0 v Liverpool, h): Given; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Wright-Phillips (Bellamy 68), Ireland (Ibrahim 75), De Jong, Barry, A Johnson, Adebayor. Subs not used: Taylor, Richards, Santa Cruz, Sylvinho, Toure.

Man City scorers: Adebayor 37, Tevez 56

Chelsea scorer: Adebayor 8 (o.g.)

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been suspended for four games after being sent off in Wednesday’s FA Cup defeat at Stoke.

The 25-year-old Togo forward received a straight red card for raising an arm at Potters defender Ryan Shawcross.

The usual three-match ban was increased because it is the second time he has been found guilty of violent conduct.

Adebayor was banned for three games in September for a tackle on former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie.

City are also missing midfielder Patrick Vieira, who is currently serving his own three-match ban for violent conduct following his kick on Glenn Whelan in last week’s Premier League meeting with Stoke.

It is more bad news for City boss Roberto Mancini who, not only has to deal with his two suspended stars, but is managing a side with only two wins in eight games.

Extra-time goals from Shawcross and Tuncay earned Stoke an FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea, after Craig Bellamy had earlier cancelled out Dave Kitson’s opener for the visitors.

Adebayor opted not to appeal the decision made by the Football Association.

The one piece of good news for City was confirmation that Carlos Tevez is back in the UK and was due to be reunited with his team-mates later on Friday.

The striker was given compassionate leave to return home to Argentina following the premature birth of his daughter earlier this month.

City’s leader scorer this season with 13 league goals, Tevez went straight back into their squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

However, Mancini will assess his fitness before deciding whether to name him in his starting line-up.

England coach Fabio Capello is hoping Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will rethink his decision not to go to the World Cup this summer.

Following allegations that his ex-girlfriend had an affair with Chelsea’s John Terry, Bridge, 29, has opted not to be chosen for England duty.

“It surprised me,” admitted Capello of Bridge’s decision. “But the door is always open for him. We have time.

“I hope he will be with us at the World Cup, but I respect his decision.”

BBC Sport understands Bridge is effectively retiring from the international scene, though Capello is clearly hoping the defender will change his mind before this summer’s World Cup.

Terry was sacked as England captain by Capello earlier this month, but in a statement released by his lawyers, Bridge said his position in the national squad had become “untenable and potentially divisive”.

England face Egypt in a friendly at Wembley next Wednesday and despite reports earlier this week suggesting Bridge was considering his international future because he was unwilling to play alongside Terry, Capello believed he would be available for selection.

The Italian stated on Wednesday: “No, he will be with us. No problems about the other things.”

However, Bridge’s statement has shown the left-back remains troubled by the situation.

“It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive,” said Bridge.

“Sadly therefore, I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection.”

With England’s opening World Cup match against the United States on 12 June less than four months away, Bridge’s decision leaves Capello with a selection headache over England’s left-back spot.

Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is already sidelined with a broken ankle and is a doubt for the tournament.

Aston Villa defenders Stephen Warnock and Nicky Shorey, Everton’s Leighton Baines and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott are all possible replacements, although all are relatively inexperienced at international level.

Bridge, who has played for England 36 times and recently returned from a two-month lay-off with a knee injury, was a team-mate of Terry’s at Chelsea before joining Manchester City last year.

The pair are due to meet on the pitch for the first time since details of the alleged affair were made public when City visit Chelsea on Saturday.

Only a fortnight ago, City boss Roberto Mancini expressed confidence that Bridge would go to South Africa.

He admitted on Friday: “I thought Wayne would stay with the national team.

“It must have been a very difficult decision because I know how important the national team is for any player.”

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge has announced he does not wish to be chosen for England duty, thereby ruling himself out of this summer’s World Cup.

BBC Sport understands he is effectively retiring from the international scene.

In a statement released by his lawyers, Bridge, 29, said his position in the national squad had become “untenable and potentially divisive”.

He has been in the spotlight over allegations that his ex-girlfriend had an affair with Chelsea’s John Terry.

Terry was sacked as England captain by coach Fabio Capello earlier this month.

England face Egypt in a friendly at Wembley next Wednesday and despite reports earlier this week suggesting Bridge was considering his international future because he was unwilling to play alongside Terry, Capello believed he would be available for selection.

The Italian stated on Wednesday: “No, he will be with us. No problems about the other things.”

However, Bridge’s statement has shown the left-back remains troubled with the situation and read: “I have thought long and hard about my position in the England football team in the light of the reporting and events over the last few weeks.

“It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive.

“Sadly therefore, I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection.

“I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa.”

With the World Cup less than four months away, Bridge’s decision leaves Capello with a selection headache over England’s left-back spot.

Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is already sidelined with a broken ankle and is a doubt for the tournament.

England’s opening match is against the United States on 12 June.

Aston Villa defenders Stephen Warnock and Nicky Shorey, Everton’s Leighton Baines and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott are all possible replacements.

Bridge, who has played for England 36 times and recently returned from a two-month lay-off with a knee injury, was a team-mate of Terry’s at Chelsea before joining Manchester City last year.

The pair are due to meet on the pitch for the first time since details of the alleged affair were made public when City visit Chelsea on Saturday.

Former England and Manchester City defender Danny Mills said it was unfair to make a hasty judgement on Bridge’s decision and that such a scenario was not unusual in a World Cup year.

“Fortunately, it’s all hypothetical and until we are faced with that situation we all like to say we would do this or do that but until we get down to having to make that decision, I don’t think we can judge,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.

“We have to respect Wayne and his decision. It’s been difficult, it hasn’t been easy but he’s made that decision now and it’s something everyone has to get on with.

“The country gets so excited when England are playing in a big tournament like the World Cup and that’s always going to be the case.

“At club level you always have one or two injuries or issues but with the national squad it gets magnified. Every country will be the same, they will all have problems, it’s just how you cope with them, how you deal with them.”

In the wake of Terry losing the captaincy and recent headlines concerning Ashley Cole’s separation from wife Cheryl, Capello revealed he would stress the importance of team spirit and personal discipline when he talks to his players ahead of the friendly with Egypt.

“The World Cup is really important for me, for England and for the players,” the Italian explained. “We have to stay together and compact in every moment. I think this will be my most important job – to recreate this spirit.

“We will talk about a lot of things because four months is a long time. If you can meet the players every month it is different. We will have two days to stay together but they are very strong days.”

Former England team-mates John Terry and Wayne Bridge have both declined an offer of mediation from the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Manchester City’s Bridge, 29, is retiring from international football following allegations his ex-girlfriend had an affair with Chelsea’s Terry.

PFA boss Gordon Taylor said he was “surprised and saddened” by Bridge’s decision to forgo a World Cup chance.

Bridge and Terry will come face-to-face on Saturday when City visit Chelsea.

Bridge opted to make himself unavailable for Fabio Capello’s England side via a statement issued by the left-back’s lawyers on Thursday.

Taylor then stressed he had tried to mend the rift between the former Chelsea team-mates, which has developed after an alleged affair involving former England captain Terry and model Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of Bridge’s child.

PFA chief executive Taylor said: “We offered to help and contacted both parties with a view to acting as mediators, but neither came back to us.

“You have to respect Wayne’s decision, and his wishes, but it is sad that it has come to this. I would have hoped that things could have been patched up for the sake of the professional careers of both Wayne and John Terry, as well as the England team.”

The pair are likely to face each other on the pitch for the first time since the affair allegations hit the news when fifth-placed City visit leaders Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

City goalkeeper Shay Given insists Bridge is mentally prepared for the clash.

“He is fine, Wayne Bridge is totally fine and he is looking forward to the game on Saturday and hopefully getting a good result for Manchester City – that’s the most important thing.

“It’s a massive game for everyone at the club, including Wayne,” the Republic of Ireland international added.

Asked if he was surprised by his team-mate’s decision to quit England, former Newcastle star Given said: “It’s a personal thing for Wayne and a private one and I don’t really want to comment on that situation.”

Meanwhile, former England defender Martin Keown said Bridge had been forced into prematurely ruling himself out of this summer’s big tournament in South Africa.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “It’s far too early for him to be jumping away from the World Cup. I feel Bridge is being pressurised into a decision.”

Keown sympathised with Bridge’s predicament, and called on England manager Fabio Capello to try to broker a truce – especially with England’s first-choice left-back Ashley Cole currently injured and Bridge the obvious deputy.

Ex-Arsenal centre-back Keown said Bridge should have been allowed to skip the friendly against Egypt next Wednesday in order to think further about his World Cup intentions.

“They made a sacrifice with John Terry very publicly losing his position and they would have wanted an indication from [Bridge] that he wanted to be part of it,” he said.

“Ashley Cole has got a lot of trauma of his own with his injury and will he be fit for the World Cup? All of a sudden Wayne Bridge decides he won’t make himself available.

“There’s a professional aspect here because Wayne should have an overriding ambition to win the World Cup. To jump away from that is farcical really.

“I think it’s the pressure of a culmination of things. He and John Terry meet each other at the weekend [when Chelsea play City], and there’s the pressure of being named in the Egypt squad, but for me he’s made the decision too soon.

“Capello should have said ‘forget this squad [for Egypt] but I’m going to bring you [and Terry] together some time nearer to the World Cup and let’s chat it through professionally’.

“We are very exposed defensively. There’s no Glen Johnson, Terry is dealing with this scandal, and Rio Ferdinand has a back injury. We’re decimated.”

Keown added that he felt Bridge was “clearly not getting any counselling” and felt “exposed”.

But Keown’s former Gunners team-mate Nigel Winterburn said it was hard for an outsider to condemn Bridge’s actions and said people should not rush to criticise him.

Winterburn said: “I don’t know whether Wayne Bridge feels he doesn’t want to be anywhere near John Terry at the moment. That’s a very difficult position to be in.

“Also the media scrum that is going to happen on Saturday would then come again on 3 March against Egypt and maybe that’s too much. I am absolutely amazed and shocked that he isn’t going to the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Stephen Warnock, a possible starter against Egypt as Capello shapes a makeshift back four for Egypt, has spotted an opportunity. The 28-year-old plays in the same left-back position that is temporarily vacant with both Cole and Bridge becoming unavailable.

Warnock said: “I thought I was pushing hard anyway but with what has happened maybe it has opened a door. Ideally it would be great to win the Carling Cup [in Sunday's final against Manchester United] and get called up for the Egypt game but let’s wait and see.”

Warnock made his England debut against Trinidad & Tobago on 1 June 2008, coming on as a substitute for Bridge in the 84th minute. It remains his only international appearance.

Extra-time goals from Ryan Shawcross and Tuncay earned Stoke an FA Cup quarter-final and all but ended 10-man Manchester City’s hopes of silverware.

Dave Kitson combined with Tuncay to score a 79th-minute opener, only for Craig Bellamy to lash in an equaliser.

In a chaotic finish, Emmanuel Adebayor was sent off for raising an arm at Shawcross, who then headed Stoke in front five minutes into extra time.

Tuncay’s clever run and shot sealed the win and a meeting with Chelsea.

Manchester City, meanwhile, can now focus all their attentions on the race for fourth in the Premier League – although they are likely to be without Adebayor for the next three games, including Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

Manager Roberto Mancini will no doubt look back on the sending-off of his Togo striker as the turning point against Stoke.

A straight red card certainly seemed harsh after Adebayor appeared to accidentally strike Shawcross in the neck as he tried to hold off the defender.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis, though, was rewarded for some brave second-half changes, including bringing the attacking Tuncay on for defensive midfielder Salif Diao shortly after half-time.

It was the Turk who brilliantly helped fellow substitute Kitson to put Stoke ahead, but within two minutes, Bellamy latched on to Adebayor’s clever cushioned ball and half-volleyed in the equaliser.

Adebayor stared in disbelief as referee Steve Bennett ended his participation a minute later amid high drama at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke had chances to win it in normal time through Shawcross and Ricardo Fuller, but the visitors held out to take it into extra-time.

But only five minutes in, Rory Delap – standing nearer the halfway line than the goalline – launched one of his vicious, long throws into the box and Shawcross easily beat Shay Given to head into the empty net.

Four minutes later, the tie was all but over when Stoke took advantage of some tiring legs in the Manchester City defence.

Glenn Whelan beat two men before passing to Tuncay, who also jinked past two challenges and slotted past Given and the despairing efforts of Joleon Lescott on the line.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:
“We’ve played a team three times in the past two weeks, a team of unbelievable resources and quality.

“We have managed to come out on top, so we are delighted, really pleased.

“In the first half I thought Thomas Sorensen kept us in the game with a couple of great saves. But after that I thought we were the better team.”

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini dismissed suggestions that the pressure on him had increased after Stoke dumped his side out of the FA Cup.

Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat means Champions League qualification is City’s only hope of salvaging a stuttering season.

Despite winning only twice in his last eight games, the Italian said he was “absolutely not” feeling the heat.

“We had a good chance to go to the next round and the final but this is football, we must improve,” he added.

It was a miserable night for Mancini, who will be hoping his side, currently fifth in the Premier League, return to winning ways against leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

But they look set to be without Emmanuel Adebayor at Stamford Bridge after the striker was shown a straight red card for raising his arm at Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross.

The score at the Britannia Stadium was 1-1 when Adebayor was sent off and although Mancini’s men held out for extra-time, goals from Tuncay and Shawcross earned Stoke a quarter-final tie against Chelsea.

“I’m disappointed because we lost,” added Mancini. “My opinion is that we played very well. We dominated the game and had six or seven chances to score a goal before the sending off of Emmanuel.

“Football is strange. When you play well and have a lot of chances, if you don’t score something can change the game.

“Until the situation it was our best performance in the last three or four games. Manu played very well, fantastic. For me – maximum yellow card. It was not so dangerous.”

It was the third time the two sides had played out 1-1 draws over 90 minutes over 12 days.

The defeat by Stoke was City’s fourth since Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in December.

In that period, City fans have also seen their side lose a Carling Cup semi-final to local rivals United and the team have only climbed one spot to fifth in the Premier League, hardly the progress City’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, would have been wanting from the former Inter Milan boss.

There have also been problems for Mancini off the pitch with Brazilian striker Robinho heading off to Santos in a loan deal and reports of a bust-up with striker Craig Bellamy over training methods, while forward Carlos Tevez has been in Argentina on compassionate leave for the last fortnight.

Despite that, Stoke boss Tony Pulis described City as “a team of unbelievable resources and quality” and he was understandably elated by a victory which saw his side reach the Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1972.

“We have managed to come out on top, so we are delighted, really pleased,” he said. “In the first half I thought Thomas (Sorensen) kept us in the game. He made a couple of great saves, but second half and through extra time I thought we were the better team.”

International friendly – Wales v Sweden
Venue: Liberty Stadium Date: Wednesday, 3 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and online, score updates on BBC Radio 5 and BBC Sport website. Live on Sky Sports 2 & highlights on S4C at 2240 GMT

Simon Davies is set to win his first Wales cap for 11 months in next Wednesday’s friendly with Sweden.

The Fulham playmaker, who has been out after undergoing foot surgery, is recalled by John Toshack while Brighton midfielder Andrew Crofts is also back.

Captain Craig Bellamy has been rested and is not in Wales’ 22-man squad while defender Danny Gabbidon and midfielders Dave Edwards and Joe Allen are injured.

St Mirren midfielder Andy Dorman is hoping to win his first Wales cap.

Brian Stock is also out of the Swansea friendly as the Doncaster Rovers midfielder may need season-ending back surgery.

Manchester City striker Bellamy, one of the form players of the Premier League this season, is rested as his ongoing knee problems are managed.

And Toshack wants to keep faith with the young team that demolished Scotland 3-0 in November as the former Real Madrid boss is keen to assess the growing partnership between strikers Ched Evans and Simon Church.

This latest move will call into question Bellamy’s Wales future but he is expected to be picked as normal when Wales begin their Euro 2012 campaign in the autumn.

Former Wales striker Iwan Roberts doubts whether the striker will ever play a friendly again.

“His history with injury problems means he’ll only play in the competitive games from now on,” said Roberts, who played with Bellamy at Norwich City.

“If that means Wales will get the best out of him in the qualifying games, then I think that’s a fair arrangement.”

Bellamy remains a key player for his club Manchester City and he played every minute of his club’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Stoke City on Tuesday night, a match that was only decided in extra time.

Manchester City also have a crucial Premier League clash at leaders Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.

Swansea City defender Ashley Williams, skipper against Scotland in Cardiff last year, is expected to lead Wales at his home ground of the Liberty Stadium on 3 March.

Davies has recently returned to full fitness from an operation in April to mend a stress fracture in his foot and the Fulham star is back in the Wales squad and set to win his 58th cap.

Crofts has not played for Wales for two years as the 25-year-old was a second-half substitute in their 3-0 win over Norway in February 2008.

The Swedes – who at 42 are 35 places above Wales in the official Fifa world rankings – will hope to extend their five-match winning run against the Welsh.

Wales begin qualification for Euro 2012 on 4 September, with their group opponents including England, Switzerland, Montenegro and Bulgaria.

The five countries will meet to decide the fixtures on 15 March.

Wales squad to face Sweden in Swansea on 3 March:
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Boaz Myhill (Hull City)

Defenders: Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur), James Collins (Aston Villa), Neal Eardley (Blackpool), Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest), Craig Morgan (Peterborough United), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton Wanderers), Ashley Williams (Swansea City)

Midfielders: Jack Collison (West Ham United), Andrew Crofts (Brighton & Hove Albion), Simon Davies (Fulham), Andy Dorman (St Mirren), Andy King (Leicester City), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), David Vaughan (Blackpool)

Strikers: Simon Church (Reading), David Cotterill (Swansea City), Robert Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Ched Evans (Sheffield United), Sam Vokes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Sweden squad to face Wales:

Eddie Gustafsson (Red Bull Salzburg), Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven), Andreas Granqvist (Groningen), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City), Daniel Majstorovic (AEK), Olof Mellberg (Olympiacos), Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion), Behrang Safari (Basel), Oscar Wendt (FC Kbenhavn), Marcus Berg (Hamburger), Rasmus Elm (AZ Alkmaar), Viktor Elm (Heerenveen), Johan Elmander (Bolton Wanderers), Tobias Hysn (IFK Gteborg), Kim Kllstrm (Olympique Lyonnais), Anders Svensson (IF Elfsborg), Ola Toivonen (PSV Eindhoven), Pontus Wernbloom (AZ Alkmaar), Christian Wilhelmsson (Al-Hilal).

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says striker Carlos Tevez will return in time to face Chelsea on Saturday.

Tevez was allowed to return to his native Argentina earlier this month after complications with his wife Vanesa’s pregnancy.

Until this week it had been unclear when Tevez was likely to come back after City granted compassionate leave.

“I spoke with him and he will come back on Thursday or Friday morning. I am sure,” said Mancini.

“It is important Carlos comes back so he can play against Chelsea.

“He said to me that every day he has been training in Argentina, every morning.

“He had a serious problem but now I think he resolved his problem.”

The City boss appeared to be in the dark on the matter after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool although Tevez’s agent Kia Joorabchian claimed on Monday that the player had kept his club updated with developments.

Tevez’s baby daughter has been in intensive care after being born prematurely.

The striker will certainly be missing for City’s trip to Stoke for an FA Cup fifth-round replay on Wednesday.

It will be the fourth game Tevez – their 19-goal top-scorer – will have missed, a sequence in which the team has struggled for form and so far failed to pick up a win.

To have his prized weapon available for the game at Stamford Bridge will be a huge boost for Mancini, who admitted last week to having a disagreement with Craig Bellamy over the management of the Welsh forward’s long-standing knee injury.

But the Italian manager was adamant he retains the backing of his squad.

Asked if he felt he has the full respect and confidence of the players, Mancini said: “Yes, absolutely.

“I have respect for the players always. For me it is not a problem. Usually I do not read the newspapers, but I have read (them) and for me everything is normal.

“I can speak with my players because we don’t have the same things, but this is normal. It is not a problem, not a serious problem for me.

“But I haven’t got any problem with the players – or (they are) normal problems that a manager has with his team.

“For me it is incredible when I read that I have a problem with some players.”

Mancini is also without suspended midfielder Patrick Vieira and injured winger Martin Petrov, while striker Roque Santa Cruz has a knee injury.