Zabaleta talks up Tevez return

Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta said Carlos Tevez will return to the first team soon.

Zabaleta expects the controversial striker to feature in next Wednesday’s league clash with Chelsea.

The Argentine forward went AWOL from Manchester after being punished for his alleged refusal to come off the bench against Bayern Munich, and has not played for the club since last September.

After spending more than four months in Argentina, however, Tevez rejoined Roberto Mancini and his squad in the new year, and has been training and playing with the reserves.

Speaking on Thursday, international and club team-mate Zabaleta believes the time is right for Tevez to return and marked the Chelsea match for his comeback.

“Roberto (Mancini) has told us that he will most likely give Carlos some minutes next Wednesday against Chelsea,” the full-back told Radio 9 in Argentina.

“In this team Tevez was a key player over the last two years. The final phase of the tournament begins now and his contribution will be vital for us.”

Manchester City are one point behind leaders Manchester United with 10 games left.