Tevez set for bench duty

Roberto Mancini has confirmed Carlos Tevez could be on the bench for Manchester City's game at home to Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

Man City striker ready to return against Chelsea

Roberto Mancini has confirmed Carlos Tevez could be on the bench for Manchester City's game at home to Chelsea on Wednesday evening. Tevez has not played for City since September following his infamous refusal to warm up during a UEFA Champions League tie away to Bayern Munich. He spent several months back in his native Argentina, was disciplined by City and appeared set to leave the club during the January transfer window. However, after a move failed to materialise, the 28-year-old returned to England and has spent the past few weeks building up his fitness ahead of a first-team comeback. The former Manchester United forward could now be involved against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium as City try to chase down Tevez's old club in the race for the Premier League title.

Possibility

When asked if Tevez would be involved on Wednesday, City boss Mancini replied: "There is a possibility. "He is getting better but I don't think Carlo can have more than 25-30 minutes. "A player like Carlo needs to play but for 90 minutes it is impossible. "But if he can play 30 minutes, after 45, then in three or four games he could have 90 minutes, easily. "Tomorrow we will decide. We want to know the situation with the players." Tevez boasts an impressive record for City against Chelsea since joining the club in 2009 and scored the only goal of the game in the corresponding fixture last season. During his debut season with City, Tevez grabbed the winner in a 2-1 home success over the London club in December 2009 and netted twice in a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in February 2010.