Tevez-troubled City prepare for Juve

Manchester City will look to shrug off speculation surrounding the future of unsettled striker Carlos Tevez when they take on Juventus on Thursday.

With their place in the final 32 of the Europa League already secure, City travel to Turin seeking victory over the Italian giants to ensure a top-place finish in Group A.

After sitting out Saturday’s 3-1 English Premier League win over West Ham due to suspension, City captain Tevez was present at the club’s training session at Carrington on Wednesday. But the spectre of his transfer request looms large over the blue half of Manchester.

The Argentinian striker has asked for a move away from Eastlands after stating his relationship with some officials at the club had ‘broken down beyond repair’.

The club has not confirmed whether Tevez has flown out with the rest of the squad to Italy, but defender Micah Richards said he would be upset if the 26-year-old ended up leaving.

“I can’t say much on Carlos and he’s a top guy, but whatever happens, onwards and upwards,” Richards said.

“The manager will be in control and we are focused on the next game. I’ve seen so many players come and go but Carlos would be a big loss if he left.”

“I’d be gutted. It would be same sort of feeling as when Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland left.”

Meanwhile, striker Mario Balotelli is expected to miss the Juventus match, with reports in Italy suggesting fears he will be racially abused lie behind the decision.