Tevez in doubt for FA Cup final

Carlos Tevez is in a race against time to be fit for Manchester City’s FA Cup final showdown against Stoke on May 14.

The Argentine striker has been plagued by a hamstring injury and has already been ruled out of City’s English Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday.

And manager Roberto Mancini said it was touch and go as to whether his skipper would be ready for the Cup final.

“It’s difficult to know (if Tevez will be fit) – he has a 50 per cent chance,” Mancini said.

“He is training and there’s still 10 days to go – we will wait and hope he can recover.”

“If Carlos doesn’t play in the next two games (against Everton and then at home to Tottenham) it will be almost impossible for him to play in the final.”

Despite the excitement of the Cup final to look forward to, City’s four remaining Premier League fixtures are still high on Mancini’s priority list.

City are currently fourth in the table, seven points clear of both Tottenham and Liverpool, however Mancini has urged his squad to keep their foot on the gas as they look to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

Standing in the way of the Italian’s four-point target are Everton this weekend, and the former Inter Milan manager knows an away trip to Goodison will provide a stern test.

“We have a difficult game on Saturday as Everton always make it hard for us,” Mancini said.

“I think we need another four points and then we will be 100 percent sure.”

“The target at the start of the season was to qualify for the Champions League and we have worked very hard for this as it’s not been easy.

With rivals Manchester United and Chelsea squaring up this Sunday in what could turn out to be a title decider, Mancini feels Carlo Ancelotti’s side may just have the edge over United in getting their hands on the trophy – provided they leave Old Trafford victorious.

“Anything is possible. It’s very difficult at the moment as United and Chelsea are both in great form,” he said.

“If Chelsea win at Manchester United then they will go on to win the title.”

Along with Tevez, midfielder Nigel de Jong (hip) and defender Micah Richards are both doubtful for the clash at Goodison, while goalkeeper Shay Given is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in February.