Roberto Mancini has finally put a lid on the Carlos Tevez saga by confirming that the striker will miss out against Liverpool this weekend.

Tevez remains on compassionate leave to be with his wife after the premature birth of his child. The absence of Tevez could pave the way for a return for Craig Bellamy as a partner for Adebayor up front. Mancini confirmed today that Bellamy is close to a return from a knee injury, dismissing the reports of a club suspension for the player following a training ground dispute…

“I read that I have a problem with him, that I shouted at him. Craig trained on Wednesday, yesterday and he will train today. I have spoken to him, face to face, but as a manager speaks to a player. I have not shouted at him, never. I am happy to resolve things, face to face, in a room but I do not have a problem with him. If his knee is OK today and tomorrow, he will be available for Sunday.”

City will already face Liverpool without Patrick Vierra who serves the first of a three-match suspension following a charge of violent conduct. Vierra was involved in an incident with Glenn Whelan against Stoke and decided yesterday not to contest the charge. Elsewhere Martin Petrov has sustained a knee injury and will be out of the picture at Eastlands for three to four weeks according to the club.

Petrov’s injury will relieve the clutter in City’s squad for the wide roles. Adam Johnson should now be given the opportunity to build on his impressive start to his City career and cement a starting role. He looks set to continue in Mancini’s plans against Liverpool. At just 6.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game, a sustained run of starts in the City side will likely see interest from fantasy managers.