This morning reports are suggesting that Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez is closing in on a return to action.
It’s stated that Tevez is “running at full pace and kicking a ball again” and could be back in full-training at Carrington today or tomorrow. An appearance against Tottenham on Tuesday, in the second fixture of City’s double Gameweek, may well be on the cards. This latest update comes just days after other sources suggested that Tevez was still struggling to be in contention for the FA Cup Final on May 14.
The skipper’s comeback would be a timely one and it will unquestionably boost City’s attempts to leap over this season’s final few hurdles – these being the Wembley final and securing Champions League football with a fourth place finish.
Significantly, Roberto Mancini has stated that Tevez must play some part in Tuesday’s clash with Spurs if he is to factor in City’s FA Cup lineup.
“It is very difficult for him to play against Everton and if he doesn’t play against Tottenham, it will be impossible for Carlos to play in the final.”
That has undoubtedly motivated Tevez and should it be confirmed that he has returned to full training this week, then the striker would seem certain to play a part in Tuesday’s game. His level of involvement could ride on the result of Saturday’s clash with Everton – a win would cement fourth spot, but should City drop points at Goodison, City and Spurs will still have much to play for, which would set the scene for the re-introduction of Tevez.
In Fantasy terms, the striker has been an almost essential Fantasy asset – fetching an impressive 19 goals, 6 assists and 29 Bonus Points in the Fantasy Premier League game, which has given him a total score of 170. Despite his term of absence, Tevez is still owned by over 18% of managers in the game – they will certainly be hoping to see their man return to play some part for City’s final three matches.
Those without Tevez won’t be feeling so positive about the possibility of a return. The potential offered by Mario Balotelli, David Silva and Adam Johnson now appears to be less secure with Tevez in the equation, casting doubt on double gameweek investment.
Elsewhere in the City squad, Nigel de Jong and Pablo Zabaleta are both expected to be fit to play at the weekend after suffering minor injuries; Micah Richards could return to the bench for the trip to Goodison Park.
