Mancini expects Tevez to play

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini sees no reason why Carlos Tevez will not play in Monday’s home clash with Everton.

City turned down a transfer request from the Argentine on Sunday and after missing their midweek Europa League trip to Juventus, he is expected to slot back into the team.

“When I arrive at the training ground, I will speak with Carlos. Will he play on Monday? Yes, why not?” Mancini said.

“He has recovered and rested on Thursday and so he will play on Monday. He has trained well since Tuesday and he doesn’t have a problem.”

“We have a very difficult game and I want all of my players to be there, 100 percent. I haven’t had this situation before, but it can happen at any club – in England or Italy.”

“It is important I speak to him. I want to understand what he wants to do because I think this can finish in the next two days. It’s important that it can finish quickly.”

Mancini has not said whether the captain’s armband will be handed to another player but the Italian just wants City to continue their run of nine unbeaten games.

He told the club’s official website: “Now we must focus on what happens in the league.”

“Everton will be tough, but we must continue in the way we have been going. We needed time because we had so many new players, and we can still improve in many areas of our game.”

Nigel De Jong is suspended for the game and Adam Johnson will miss out with a knee problem.