Tevez hit by month-long lay-off

The absence of Tevez will be a blow to City’s FA Cup and Premier League hopes

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is definitely out of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United, manager Roberto Mancini has revealed.

The Argentine suffered a hamstring injury in Monday night’s defeat by Liverpool at Anfield and will be sidelined for “three to four weeks”.

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

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

Tevez’s absence is a considerable blow to Man City, who are bidding for a first piece of silverware for 35 years alongside their pursuit of a top-four finish in the league and the Champions League qualification that comes with it.

The 27-year-old has scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Eastlanders and is widely considered to be City’s most important player.

“It’s a big problem in this moment but we can’t take any risk because after this we have six games in the league and, hopefully, a Cup final,” said Mancini.

“My hope is that we have him back fit for the last couple of games in the league or the final.”

As to who might replace Tevez in attack at Wembley, Mancini was reluctant to give anything away, saying: “I don’t yet know my starting XI. We have 48 hours still to decide.

“Every player knows this is an important match for the club. I trust all my players. We can reach the final if we play well and I’m sure every player, whoever I pick, will give 100% on Saturday.

“Whether Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli play… I don’t know. They both have a chance.”

Saturday’s match will be City’s first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1981, when the blue half of Manchester went on to lose in the final to Tottenham at Wembley.

And despite the considerable outlay of the club’s owner Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, who is reported to have spent more than £1bn in his time at Eastlands, Mancini insists the pressure is not on his side on Saturday.

“The fans should be happy where we are,” said the Italian. “For this club it’s the first time in a long time that we’re in the semi-finals.

“We have the chance to get to a final and to get in the Champions League through the league – this is a good moment.

“We should concentrate and focus on this game, it’s important. But this is just a football game. A difficult football game.”

There was some good news for City, though, will full-back Micah Richards back in training following a hamstring injury.

“Micah is available,” said Mancini. “He trained two days ago and again yesterday. He will be okay.”