• Premier League

Man City reduce Yaya Toure's absence

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 14, 2011
Yaya Toure will represent the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations © Getty Images
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Manchester City will delay Yaya Toure's departure to the African Cup of Nations so that the midfielder can take part in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

Toure, who will also now be available for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool, admitted to feeling "guilty and confused" about his impending month-long absence while his City team-mates continue their charge toward the Premier League title. However, the Ivory Coast international is still likely to miss five important league games next month and says his loyalties are split between club and country.

"Our country needs people like myself and Didier Drogba because there is a war and it's important we do what we can for our people, but this is also a crucial time of the season," he said. "There are two crucial months coming up and now I am going to miss one of them. The team, the club and the manager need me, but I will have to go away and play in a different competition.

"It's difficult as I am very focused for City and we need all the players. I have to go because my country is going through some difficult things, but I am a little bit guilty and confused about it.

"My loyalties are divided and I do feel a little bit sad. But City will cope. We have fantastic players who can take my place, such as Nigel de Jong and Gareth Barry, while Owen Hargreaves is also working very hard to come back."

City have been afforded the same special dispensation for Kolo Toure as given to his brother Yaya. The African Cup of Nations will be hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and begins on January 21.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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