Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Tevez likely to sit out derby

16 Sep 2009 - 08:01:59

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Manchester City have admitted that Carlos Tevez is "doubtful" for Sunday's derby encounter with former club Manchester United.

Tevez returned from international duty with Argentina last week carrying a knee injury which forced him to miss Saturday's 4-2 victory over Arsenal.

The 25-year-old was desperate to face former club United at Old Trafford on Sunday where he would have been the centre of attention after snubbing the offer of a five-year contract to join City during the summer.

But City assistant manager Mark Bowen does not believe the South American striker will win his fitness race.

Tevez is likely to join fellow frontmen Robinho (ankle) and Roque Santa Cruz has (knee) on the sidelines, while Emmanuel Adebayor could also find himself missing out should he be banned by the Football Association following his behaviour against Arsenal.

"He (Tevez) is back here today and we'll assess it from there, but he is very doubtful," Bowen told the club's official website.

"What we are hearing is that it's probably going to keep him out, but until the doctor assesses him hands-on we don't really know.

"The boss has been in contact with the Argentina medical team, as has our medical team.

"But the signs are not encouraging. We wouldn't 100 per cent rule him out yet - we have fingers crossed and we are always hopeful.''