Source: Team_Talk
Zabaleta ruled out of Magpies clash
Pablo Zabaleta is out of Manchester City's Premier League clash with Newcastle on Sunday after suffering an injury against Juventus.[LNB] The Argentina defender suffered a hamstring strain during the 1-1 Europa League draw at Eastlands which Roberto Mancini believes is serious enough to make sure he is not involved against the Magpies.[LNB]"It is a hamstring," said the City chief. "I do not believe it is serious but he won't play on Sunday."[LNB]At least Jerome Boateng came through his first City start unscathed, although Mancini might be loathe to risk the German international after so long out with a knee injury.[LNB]The medical bulletin was of more significance than the game itself, which turned into a stalemate once Juventus' early fire had been doused.[LNB]"I don't know why we started so slowly," said Mancini.[LNB]"We thought we could control the game but after Juventus scored, the match changed. Sometimes that can happen when you have to play every three days."[LNB]Vincenzo Iaquinta put Juventus ahead when his 30-yard shot took the faintest touch off Kolo Toure which proved to be enough to get it past Joe Hart.[LNB]After an initial struggle, Adam Johnson levelled for City before the break when he collected Yaya Toure's sublime pass and beat former Arsenal keeper Alex Manninger from close range.[LNB]The hosts had the better of the few chances created after that until Alessandro del Piero's free-kick came crashing back off the crossbar at the end.[LNB]Now Mancini must patch up his troops and try to build on last Saturday's victory over Chelsea when Chris Hughton brings his Magpies south.[LNB]It will not be easy, with the Italian admitting Carlos Tevez in particular needs a break.[LNB]"I am concerned about the situation," he said.[LNB]"If we had all our strikers available probably sometimes Carlos could miss a game.[LNB]"But we knew we would have a problem with injuries until the end of this month.[LNB]"After the next lot of internationals, we might get some players back and Jo and Emmanuel Adebayor might be 100%."[LNB]Adebayor did start this evening in a central striker's role but made no impact whatsoever, although Mancini was quick to defend the £25million forward, who was substituted midway through the second period.[LNB]"I wouldn't say it was a frustrating night for him," said Mancini.[LNB]"The main thing he was available today after 20 days out.[LNB]"I am happy with his performance but what I would like is for Emmanuel to score a goal. We need him to score goals. This is what we are working for."[LNB]With four points from their opening two games, City are still in a good position to reach the knockout phase, although they need to come out on top in back-to-back meetings with Lech Poznan to maintain their advantage.[LNB]"I am confident," said Mancini.[LNB]"I know this is a difficult group. Lech Poznan and Juventus are good teams but we can go through."[LNB]Juventus coach Luigi del Neri was also satisfied with the outcome after gaining something from a tough away game against a side he is expecting big things of in the coming months.[LNB]"Money is not everything but it does allow you to buy some important players," he said.[LNB]"They have a great coach, who knows what he is doing and how to go about his job.[LNB]"I expect them to go further and further."
