Tevez closing in on City return

Carlos Tevez is still two weeks away from returning to the Manchester City first team, manager Roberto Mancini said on Friday.

The striker had his first outing for five months in the reserves during the week, after refusing to enter the fray against Bayern Munich in a Champions League clash last September.

The 28-year-old returned to training for City in February after issuing an apology for his behaviour, but Mancini has insisted patience is required to allow the Argentine to find full fitness and form.

“I think he needs a minimum of another two weeks,” Mancini said.

“In these two weeks it is important he plays two or three games with the reserves. He needs to play on a big pitch.”

“For him it is like pre-season, after three months it is not easy to play.”

“At this moment he can’t play. Maybe in two weeks he could be ready.”

Meanwhile, Mancini echoed the warning given to Mario Balotelli by Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli.

Prandelli did not pick Balotelli for Italy’s friendly with the USA in midweek, saying the forward needed to improve his conduct off the pitch.

“It was his decision. I think it’s correct. We know that Mario is a top player. But he needs to improve in his behaviour,” Mancini said.

“For the national team it’s important because you go to the European Championships and you play only three or four or five games, you need to have good behaviour. Mario is the best Italian striker, it’s sure, 100 percent.”

Manchester City host Bolton Wanderers on Saturday as they look to push further ahead at the top of the Premier League table, with nearest rivals Manchester United and Tottenham going head-to-head on Sunday.

Mancini believes his team need to win at least 11 of their remaining 12 Premier League fixtures if they are to snatch the title this season.

“I think that (Manchester) United will win 11 games from now until the end (of the season). And we need to do the same,” he said.