City lose Tevez for crunch clashes

Roberto Mancini is resigned to being without in-form striker Carlos Tevez for his Manchester City's major forthcoming fixtures against Stoke and Liverpool.

City are fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth place Liverpool whom they host on Sunday at Eastlands, and have the chance to move into the Champions League places if they can come through two difficult games in the space of five days.

But they must do so without Tevez who has been granted compassionate leave to return to Argentina to be with his expecting partner, who has encountered some difficulty during her pregnancy.

The Argentine ace, who has scored 19 goals in 30 games so far this season, had to miss Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Stoke in order to jet back to his homeland.

Mancini admits he does not know when Tevez might return as the club have extended him as much time as he needs to be with his family.

He said: 'There is a family problem and I don't know how long he will stay.

'I don't think Carlos can come back for Tuesday. I don't think he can play. I hope he can recover some time. I hope so, but it's difficult.'

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