DAVID SILVA could be back in action for Manchester City next weekend despite picking up a hamstring injury on international duty.
The 26-year-old pulled up after just 10 minutes of Spain’s World Cup qualifying draw with France in Madrid on Tuesday.
There were fears he could face a long lay-off but City boss Roberto Mancini is more upbeat about his chances.
The City boss said: “He is not ready for tomorrow at West Brom and will not be for the Champions League but we hope for the next game against Swansea.”
England players Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner returned to City later than expected after their Polish farce in midweek.
But Mancini insists he has no concerns over their fitness.
The Italian said: “The English players who played on Wednesday are tired but I am not worried, they have another day to recover.”
Mancini also has no worries about Hart’s state of mind ahead of his return to action with City.
A fortnight after a stunning display against Borussia Dortmund, Hart was criticised for an error that allowed Poland to equalise on Wednesday.
Mancini said: “I think this is a situation that happens when you can play but usually Joe saves everything.”
There have also been rumours suggesting midfield talisman Yaya Toure might want to leave the Etihad Stadium for a new challenge.
But Mancini said: “Every day we have a new challenge here. In two-and-a-half years we won the FA Cup, the Premier League and the Community Shield.
“Now we need to win other cups and other Premier Leagues. We need to work more for this challenge. I think Yaya thinks like me and the other players.”
Mancini has welcomed suggestions Toure might want to sit out next year’s African Nations Cup.
Mancini said: “I didn’t speak with Yaya about this. Hopefully we will speak in the next week. I hope he stays here but I don’t know.”
Source: The Sun
