• Premier League

Mancini expects Tevez to return injury free

ESPN staff
October 29, 2010
Carlos Tevez is a fans favourite at Manchester City © PA Photos
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Roberto Mancini has attempted to diffuse any suggestion of a rift forming between himself and Carlos Tevez, insisting the striker, who will be fit to play in the Manchester derby, does a "fantastic job" for the club.

Earlier in the week, City striker Roque Santa Cruz intimated that Tevez was missing his family so much that he was considering moving back to Argentina - but Mancini is adamant the former Manchester United forward is committed to the Eastlands outfit.

"He never said anything about being homesick to me but this is normal if you are a foreign player in a different country away from your family for a long time," he said.

"But Carlos has a job here, and he does a fantastic job here for us."

Tevez is currently in Argentina on a four-day break and Mancini is hoping the rest will help him overcome a thigh strain he picked up in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal.

"Carlos got a knock against Arsenal and this week it was impossible for him to play," he said. "Now he is in Argentina because of a family problem.

"But he will come back on Monday morning and he will be available to play against West Brom next weekend."

Mancini also revealed he thinks it may be better for the 26-year-old to reduce the amount of games he plays for his country, to ease the strain on his body.

"Maybe sometimes, when Argentina have a friendly, it is better for him to stay here and recover, rather than going over there to play," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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