Source: Daily_Mail
James Milner set for Manchester City return in crunch Europa League clash at Eastlands
James Milner could be on the Manchester City bench for their Europa League salvage mission against Dynamo Kiev at Eastlands on Thursday.[LNB]The England international has been restricted to just five City appearances in the past two months due to a persistent hamstring injury.[LNB]Milner has not featured at all since a 13-minute outing as substitute in the Premier League draw with Fulham on February 27.[LNB] City slicker: James Milner is likely to play some part against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League[LNB]However, he returned to training earlier this week and although the 25-year-old is still not fully fit, manager Roberto Mancini is willing to take the calculated gamble of having Milner on the bench as City look to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit.[LNB]'James is not 100per cent but he has worked with us for the past week and probably he can go on the bench tomorrow,' said Mancini.[LNB]Mancini does need to check on the fitness of Nigel de Jong, who experienced some discomfort in the ankle that sidelined him for the previous month towards the end of Sunday's FA Cup win over Reading.[LNB] Big ask: City trail 2-0 from the first leg, during which they were tormented by Andriy Shevchenko[LNB]However, he is not prepared to risk Adam Johnson, either on Thursday or for Sunday's Premier League trip to Chelsea, preferring instead to allow the 23-year-old to gradually build up his fitness after a two-month absence with an ankle injury so he will be available after the international break.[LNB]'Adam has been working with the team for four days,' said Mancini. 'It would be very difficult for him to play. Maybe it is better for him and us that he continues to work because he is the only player who can change a game for us.' [LNB] Houllier: Barry and Milner would rather play for Villa than sit on bench at CityTorres: I joined Chelsea not United or City out of respect for LiverpoolWright-Phillips believes City can rescue Europa League tie against KievAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: James Milner, Roberto Mancini, Adam Johnson Places: United Kingdom
