Source: Daily_Mail
Edin Dzeko checks in but Mario Balotelli to miss a month for Manchester City
The arrival of Bosnian forward Edin Dzeko at Manchester City yesterday was overshadowed by news that Mario Balotelli faces at least a month out with an injured knee.[LNB]Dzeko was finally introduced to the media at City's training ground yesterday, signalling the end of a six-month pursuit that has involved £27million of the club's money and a summer letter from the former Wolfsburg player imploring the Barclays Premier League club to sign him.[LNB]Within seconds of his introduction, Dzeko made his mark with a suggestion that Manchester is populated by City supporters rather than those of rivals United.[LNB] Perfect 10? Manchester City's new signing Edin Dzeko poses for the cameras at Carrington[LNB] [LNB]'I hear a lot about the fans and that most of the people from Manchester are Manchester City fans,' said Dzeko.[LNB]However, it is the news thatBalotelli faces a further spell on the sidelines that will worry Citymanager Roberto Mancini as he looks ahead to a run of games he hopeswill see his team put pressure on league leaders United.[LNB]Sportsmail revealedlast week that Balotelli's right knee was causing concern and theformer Inter Milan striker may need further surgery or rest. TheItalian will now be given four weeks on the sidelines in the hope thatan operation can be avoided. If he does need surgery, he will be outfor a further two weeks.[LNB]Mancini said: 'It is the same kneeas before and I am worried because it is a mystery. He had an operationon his meniscus [in September] but, after two months back, he hasanother problem with it.[LNB]'I never expected him to have to rest for another four weeks, especially at such an important time in the season.'[LNB] Super Mario: Balotelli is set to miss a month of action with a knee injury[LNB]With Spain midfielder David Silvadoubtful for the home game against Wolves on Saturday, Mancini may needDzeko to lift his team as they look to build on their good form.[LNB]Dzeko has arrived in England freshfrom a short winter break and will play this weekend if he proveshimself match fit. The signs are good. [LNB]Having arrived in Manchester onFriday, the 24-year-old has trained every day even doing a sessionbefore travelling to Leicester to watch City in the FA Cup on Sunday and has done well in eight-versus-eight games. It is understood Dzekoimpressed Mancini with his work between the central defenders on theground as much as with his aerial ability.[LNB]Mancini said: 'I hope Edin can makethe difference between second place and first. He is another goodplayer who, in big, difficult games, can be decisive for us. [LNB]'If we had had Edin against Arsenallast week, it would probably have been a different game because, withEdin, we will have more chances to score from crosses. Edin is tall,strong and he scores a lot of headers, but he can also play on theground with both feet.[LNB] Training days: Dzeko (right) joins his new team-mates as they go through their drills[LNB] [LNB]'This is my ideal squad at the moment. We are building a great team and we now have the best strike force in Europe.'[LNB]Dzeko said: 'I'm very pleased thatI'm here. It's a big club and I'm ambitious and I think we can have alot of success together. It's a project. It's a very good team with avery good coach. [LNB]'It was three-and-a-half beautifulyears with Wolfsburg and we had a lot of success, winning the leaguefor the first time in our history. But I wanted to change, trysomething new and better and that's why I'm here.'[LNB]It is understood Mancini isconsidering playing Dzeko as a lone striker with club captain CarlosTevez on the left and given liberty to drift infield. The other optionis to play Dzeko and Tevez as a traditional partnership with Yaya Toureahead of a three-man midfield.[LNB] Manchester City's £27m new boy Edin Dzeko targets trophies at EastlandsEdin to Eastlands! Manchester City complete £27m capture of Dzeko Dzeko: When I was young I cried with fear as my friends were killed in the warAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Edin Dzeko, Roberto Mancini Places: Manchester, Spain, United Kingdom, Europe
