City lose Tevez for semi

Manchester City have suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United after Carlos Tevez was ruled out.

The Argentina international suffered a hamstring strain early in the first half of Monday night's disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

City hoped his early withdrawal from the contest could allow him enough time to recover for the weekend clash against their arch-rivals at Wembley.

However, despite all of the club's efforts to have him available for manager Roberto Mancini he will now miss the showpiece event.

Even worse, Italian tactician Mancini is taking no long-term risks with Tevez and has admitted he could be out of action for up to a month.

Prospects

Tevez has again been a key player for City this term, culminating in his PFA Player of the Year nomination, and his spell on the sidelines will hinder their prospects of a top-four finish.

"Tevez is not available for Saturday," confirmed Mancini.

"I think he will recover in three or four weeks. It is a big problem but we can't take any risks.

"After this game we have another six games and we hope to have Carlos maybe for the last two or three games, or the final if we make it."

City's fans are desperate to reach their first cup final since 1981 and Mancini insists his players are fully aware of the importance of the game.

Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli will be hoping to lead the line against the Red Devils, although Mancini is yet to finalise his starting XI.

Richards

The Italian has received some positive news ahead of the big kick-off after defender Micah Ricards successfully returned to training this week.

"Micah Richards is available," he continued. "He trained two days ago and again yesterday. He will be OK.

"Every player knows that it's an important moment for the club. Every player that plays against United on Saturday will give 100 per cent.

"I've not decided the starting XI. We've got time to decide this. I trust all my players.

"We should be happy in this moment. It's the first time in a long time that we're in the semi-final. We have a chance to get in the Champions League.

"It's a football match. The fans should be happy for this situation. We should focus on this game. It's a semi-final, it's important. If we play well we can win the final, but it's a difficult game."