Balotelli aims for derby return

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be fit for the derby against Manchester United on February 12.

Balotelli, 20, is in the United States to visit specialist Bill Knowles as he attempts to overcome a long-term knee problem.

The Italian has struggled with a knee injury since joining City from Inter Milan in the close season.

He missed nine weeks after aggravating the knee in September and has been out of action after the problem flared in City’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa in December.

“He is continuing to work and maybe he can come back to play in three or four weeks,” City boss Mancini said.

“It is important he shows his talent here. For his future it is important for him to improve and this is the best championship in the world.”

Balotelli, no stranger to controversy during his short career, recently made the bold statement that he was a member of the best attacking line-up in the world.

He also claimed United forward Wayne Rooney was ‘not even the best striker in Manchester.’

The comments have angered the red half of the city, but Mancini believes the outspoken Balotelli should be taken a little less seriously.

“I haven’t read the interview so I don’t know what he has said. But he likes to joke sometimes and these things are jokes,” Mancini said.

“We live in a free world. If someone wants to say something, it is better that he does. I respect every opinion.”

“We are not in a war. We are free to say what we want.”