Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester City find a cure for Mario Balotelli but not squad fatigue
Manchester City are confident they have Mario Balotelli's allergy under control, but finding a cure for the squad's fatigue may not prove so easy.[LNB]Roberto Mancini's policy of travelling straight home following European games backfired after Thursday's defeat at Dynamo Kiev as City's flight did not land in Manchester until 5am on Friday.[LNB]The delay is believed to have been caused by issues over a gas bottle in City's medical kit and it meant the players barely slept just two days before Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Reading. [LNB] Super Mario: Balotelli continues to be the main story at Man City[LNB]Mancini stood by his policy, saying: 'If we left on Friday, we would have lost another day. Usually after a game the players don't sleep so we felt it was better to get them back and try to get them right for Sunday. [LNB]'This is one of the problems we have playing every three days. We are playing on Sunday at 5pm and I hope we can recover in time.' [LNB] Tired eyes: City players and staff are struggling with fatigue[LNB]Midfielder Nigel De Jong backed his manager's decision, saying: 'I don't think it will affect us. We're not little kids any more. We've all got experience of how to handle this schedule and make sure we are right and ready for them on Sunday. I'm sure I'll be okay.' [LNB]City's weary players were back in training on Friday afternoon and Balotelli was able to join in despite his bizarre allergic reaction in Kiev. The young striker was late out for the start of the second half and went off 12 minutes later with swelling to his face and an itchy rash.[LNB]City blamed it on the type of grass in the stadium but Dynamo yesterday insisted it was a 'normal' pitch with 'standard grass'.[LNB]Balotelli's condition was described as a severe case of hayfever which was brought under control by antihistamines, although giving the player a shot of adrenalin was also considered.[LNB]It is not the first time Balotelli has been affected by the problem, either at City and Inter Milan, but he is expected to be available for tomorrow's game that will kick off a crucial week for Mancini's side. [LNB]On Thursday they will attempt to stay in Europe by overturning the two-goal deficit against Kiev, and then go to Chelsea in the Premier League with third place in the table at stake.[LNB] Mancini blames allergy for Balotelli missing start of second half in KievManchester City beware! Reading's free-kick King Ian Harte is worth a puntDynamo Kiev 2 Manchester City 0: Sheva shows he still has the knackAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Roberto Mancini, Mario Balotelli Places: Manchester, Europe
