City lose Tevez for semi

Tevez: Will miss FA Cup semi-final with hamstring injury

Manchester City have suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United after Carlos Tevez was ruled out.

The Argentina international suffered a hamstring strain early in the first half of Monday night’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

City hoped his early withdrawal from the contest could allow him enough time to recover for the weekend clash against their arch-rivals at Wembley.

However, despite all of the club’s efforts to have him available for manager Roberto Mancini he will now miss the showpiece event.

“I think he will recover in three or four weeks. It is a big problem but we can’t take any risks.”

Mancini on Tevez Quotes of the week

Even worse, Italian tactician Mancini is taking no long-term risks with Tevez and has admitted he could be out of action for up to a month.

Tevez has again been a key player for City this term, culminating in his PFA Player of the Year nomination, and his spell on the sidelines will hinder their prospects of a top-four finish.

“Tevez is not available for Saturday,” confirmed Mancini.

“I think he will recover in three or four weeks. It is a big problem but we can’t take any risks.

“After this game we have another six games and we hope to have Carlos maybe for the last two or three games, or the final if we make it.”