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City sweating on Jovetic fitness

Stevan Jovetic shoots to score for Manchester City against Liverpool in August © Getty Images

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Manchester City face an anxious wait to discover if Stevan Jovetic faces a further spell on the treatment table.

Jovetic, 24, was substituted in Montenegro's 0-0 draw against Liechtenstein on Thursday and reportedly limped off during the Euro 2016 qualifier.

He has already been injured once on international duty this season and missed five of City's games after suffering a hamstring problem in training with his country in September.

Jovetic has only made two substitute appearances for his club, in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Roma and the 2-0 Premier League win at Aston Villa, since his return to fitness.

His first season at the Etihad Stadium was also interrupted by injuries, which limited him to two league starts in his debut campaign after a £22 million move from Fiorentina.

However, while City manager Manuel Pellegrini could pick from four senior centre-forwards then, now he only has three following Alvaro Negredo's loan move to Valencia.

The Premier League champions could be reduced to just two strikers - Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero - if Jovetic is ruled out.

Meanwhile, Fernando, who has recovered from a groin injury that sidelined him for a month, says he will be fully fit when City host Tottenham on October 18.

"I'm feeling good and I'm looking forward to contributing to the team again," Fernando said after making his comeback as a substitute against Villa. "I'm not a good spectator. I didn't enjoy sitting out of the games I missed so it was good to get back on the pitch at Aston Villa.

"I knew I'd hurt myself when I had to come off against Stoke. I felt some pain in my groin and it turned out to be a small tear which was quite painful. The international break has given me more time to sharpen up and I will be ready for Tottenham a week on Saturday."

Fernando has been used as a holding midfielder by Pellegrini and, while he believes he can operate further forward, he praised fellow new recruit Frank Lampard for the impact he has made since arriving on loan from New York City FC.

"My job is to help our defence and provide cover when it is needed but there is more to my game and I actually think I am best when we are playing offensively - but I need more games under my belt perhaps before people see me at my best," Fernando added.

"Frank Lampard has given our team an extra dimension. He is very experienced and he is helping us a lot and I'm really happy he's part of our team. He's a player I've always admired and now I am looking forward to playing alongside him in the team and maybe I can help him score more goals for us."

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