Return of Kolarov and Balotelli imminent, Mancini says

Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, expects the injured duo of Aleksandar Kolarov and Mario Balotelli to be back in action in 10 days’ time. 

The pair have played just once for their new club so far this term before being struck down by ankle and knee problems respectively. 

It had been suggested they had both suffered setbacks in training that could consign them to further spells on the sidelines. 

However, ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Blackpool, Mancini has revealed the damage is not too extensive.

“Aleksandar and Mario should be available in 10 days,” he said. “Aleksandar has started to work with the team but has been out for a long time, so we have to be careful.

“Mario is different. He should be able to work with the squad in five days.”