Mancini banking on Tevez's return to save Manchester City's season

London, Feb 22(ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has begged striker Carlos Tevez to dash back to Eastlands ahead of the week which will make or break the club's Premier League season.

Tevez has missed City's last three games after flying to Argentina following the premature birth of his second daughter, Katie.

Mancini has not been able to speak to the striker, but his information is the baby is no longer in a critical condition, and his wife, Vanesa, has been allowed to leave hospital.

City is already suffering due to knee injuries to Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy, and after Sunday's disappointing home draw against Liverpool, Mancini has admitted that being without Tevez is something he cannot afford.

"I hoped Carlos would be back for this game, but he wasn't. I don't know if it will be tomorrow or this week, but I hope he will be back in a few days because I have a big problem at the moment. I have only Emmanuel Adebayor in attack. Bellamy only worked with the team over the last few days and Roque also has a problem with his knee," The Sun quoted Mancini, as saying.

"I spoke with Carlos about three days ago, but I don't know whereabouts he is. We have an important week. I don't have him and it is not good. At the moment, I don't know if he will miss the Chelsea game."

"He went away eight days ago and I don't know if he is working on his fitness in Argentina. He has had problems with his family, but now everything is OK I think. Because of that I hope he comes back quickly. I need him," Mancini added.

According to reports, the 26-year-old is planning to return to the UK, but no specific arrangements have been made so far. (ANI)