Carlos Tevez is rated as 50:50 for a return to action in the FA Cup Final according to reports surfacing this morning.
The striker’s hamstring tear is currently being assessed by Argentina’s team Doctor in Milan and is due to return to Eastlands to start his rehabilitation although, as yet, no date has been set for Tevez’s arrival back in Manchester. Today’s articles suggest that Roberto Mancini is due to consult his medical staff to receive an update on the situation and to make a decision on whether Tevez should make his return from Italy this week.
The latest reports appear to confirm the initial prognosis that had estimated a four-week absence for Tevez; despite the player’s own desire to play in the final, it’s clear that he is set to struggle to make the Wembley date. Realistically then, with speculation also surrounding his future at the club, Tevez may have made his last appearance for City.
For Fantasy Managers the absence of Tevez could prove significant – particularly when you begin to assess City’s end of season run-in and the prospect presented by Mario Balotelli.
City face a tricky trip to Ewood this weekend, but follow that with a run of three home matches in four with West Ham, Tottenham and Stoke all visiting Eastlands. The absence of Tevez would seem likely to cement a starting role for Balotelli – a realistic consideration up front for a Fantasy Premier League fee of 7.9. The young Italian is a far from a reliable prospect given his tendency to attract controversy and bookings but, with Edin Dzeko struggling to settle in the Premier League, Mancini’s faith in Balotelli to lead his attack looks solid.
Balotelli has scored 6 goals in 10 Premier League starts with a single assist and 6 FPL Bonus Points to his name. With 5 appearances from the bench, the striker has picked up 5 yellow cards and a red in his first season in the league. Always keen to be involved from set-plays, Balotelli would also seem likely to be granted penalty-taking duties with Tevez out of the side having already converted from the spot this season.
