Source: Daily_Mail
Emmanuel Adebayor rises to the Manchester City challenge
Emmanuel Adebayor faces a critical week in his Manchester City career after finally impressing Roberto Mancini.[LNB] The City boss was beginning to despair of the former Arsenal striker a fortnight ago as he failed to respond to requests to raise his levels and then succumbed to a dead leg injury.[LNB] Warming up: Adebayor (left) trains with Patrick Vieira (centre) and Yaya Toure[LNB] But it is understood that Adebayor was so brilliant in training last week that Mancini considered putting him in his team against Chelsea at the weekend.[LNB] As it was, Adebayor came on as a secondhalf substitute but Mancini continues to be buoyed by an improvement in the 26-year-old's efforts and has told him he will be involved in tonight's Europa League tie against Juventus at Eastlands. He also has a chance of making Sunday's Barclays Premier League side against Newcastle.[LNB] [LNB] Mancini appeared yesterday to play down chances of starting Adebayortonight by saying: 'It is difficult. He has only had two or three days'training.'[LNB] However, it is understood the striker has a very realchance of lining up alongside captain Carlos Tevez. At the very least he will be on the substitutes' bench again.[LNB]Adebayor has been reassured of his importance to City by Mancini and his coaching staff in recent weeks. Certainly City need him to contribute as they look to build on a promising start to the season.[LNB] They are aware he may look to leave the club in January if he is not in the first team but have implored him to make himself indispensable.[LNB] With Italy striker Mario Balotelli making a slow recovery from knee surgery and fellow forwards Jo and Roque Santa Cruz seen as squad players only, Mancini is aware that too much is being asked of Tevez at the moment, especially when City wish to vary their approach.[LNB] Mancini will field a strong team tonight as City look to put one foot in the next round by beating a Juventus team that has recently shown a tendency to concede goals.[LNB] He will make some changes, though, as he looks to juggle his resources ahead of the Newcastle game.[LNB] 'It is hard playing the two games so close as they are both important,' said Mancini.[LNB] 'If we win this one then we are in a good position but we also need to beat Newcastle.'[LNB] Midfielder James Milner missed training earlier this week with a combination of a calf strain and a stomach bug but was back yesterday.[LNB] So were defenders Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Jerome Boateng.[LNB] The Germany defender will certainly face Newcastle even if he doesn't play tonight. Mancini, a childhood fan of Juventus, said he has great respect for the Italians.[LNB] 'I hope Juventus will get to the Champions League next season and I hope we will too,' he said. [LNB]VIDEO: Mancini ready for Juventus... Mancini says clash against boyhood idols Juventus is nothing specialBalotelli boost for Mancini with Man City forward set to return next monthFIFA reveal online system to stop clubs 'playing chicken' on deadline day[LNB] [LNB]
