Mancini's injury problems deepen at crucial stage

Manchester: Roberto Mancini is facing mounting injury problems ahead of the pivotal period of Manchester City's season with German defender Jerome Boateng set to undergo knee surgery having been injured on international duty.

Boateng was due to fly back to Manchester on Monday night after an MRI scan in Dusseldorf revealed meniscus damage, which German team doctors believe will require surgery.

The 22 year old was assessed by City's medical staff yesterday, but with Micah Richards out for six weeks with a hamstring injury and Kolo Toure sidelined indefinitely while he awaits the outcome of his failed drug test, Mancini could be without three senior defenders for the Premier League games against Sunderland and Liverpool, as well as the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on April 16.

Pablo Zabaleta, the Argentine full-back, is expected to ease City's defensive worries this week by returning to the club having been given compassionate leave to visit his critically ill father in Argentina.

Mancini is hopeful that captain Carlos Tevez will have recovered from a groin injury in time for the Liverpool game on April 11.

Richards, injured while playing for England Under-21s last week, will have an oxygen chamber installed at his house in an effort to accelerate his recovery so that the defender can face United at Wembley.

Dreaded ‘ping'

"I will do anything and everything to be ready for the United game," Richards said. "I knew straight away what I had done because I heard the dreaded ‘ping'. It is a bit sore, but I'm hoping it is not too bad.

"Some of the other lads have used an oxygen tent to help them recover quickly from injuries so I am willing to give it a go. I will sleep in the thing if necessary."

Richards will be missing when City host Sunderland on Sunday, with Mancini's side looking to win maximum points in their battle for a top-four spot.

"It is a bit of a sickener picking up the injury at this time," Richards said. "We had a lot of games in quick succession but I felt I was holding my form quite well."

Meanwhile, City forward Mario Balotelli has been promised that he still has a future with the Italian national team, despite being told by coach Cesare Prandelli that he only wants "responsible players".

Balotelli, labelled as "stupid" by Mancini following his red card against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League this month, was left out of the Italy squad which faced Ukraine last night.

However, Italy Football Federation president Giancarlo Abete said the 20 year old would be given another opportunity.