Source: Telegraph
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini allays Mario Balotelli injury fears
The 20 year-old converted an Emmanuel Adebayor cross from three yards, 15 minutes after replacing Gareth Barry, to seal Man City's victory against FC Timisoara.[LNB]Balotelli was also booked for shoving Timisoara captain Dan Alexa during an eventful Europa League cameo, but he left the pitch limping heavily after receiving treatment for four minutes after the final whistle and was later seen with strapping around his knee.[LNB] Related ArticlesFC Timisoara 0 Manchester City 1City manager Mancini pines for la dolce vitaCity's summer signingsMancini defends £126m spreeManchester United and City: football's version of Liam and NoelWest Ham rue Bellamy missBut despite the worrying image of his new signing hobbling into the dressing room, Mancini insisted he had no concerns over Balotelli's fitness ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.[LNB]He said: "We think it is not serious. It was probably just a kick, but it is not a problem. He had a great debut and I think it is the first time he could show what he can do. I'm very happy that he scored.[LNB]"He is a good player, but it is important that he gets to know his team-mates. He needs to improve and get to know everybody. It was the first time he had played with the team, but he will get better."[LNB]Balotelli's reputation for proving a magnet for disciplinary problems resurfaced after his clash with Alexa and Mancini admits the Italian forward must eradicate the flashpoints from his game.[LNB]Mancini said: "We must work on this with him because it will be different in the Premier League than in Italy." [LNB]City are strong favourites for next Thursday's return leg, but Mancini insisted that Vladimir Petrovic's team remain a threat in the tie.[LNB]He said: "This was a difficult game because Timisoara are a good team and they played very well in the first half.[LNB]"In the end, it is a good result for us, but they made it difficult for us by getting so many players behind the ball."[LNB]
