Carlos Tevez has dominated the build-up to Manchester City's trip to Wolves - even through the striker will be more than 8,000 miles away when the game starts.
Carlos Tevez has dominated the build-up to Manchester City's trip to Wolves - even through the striker will be more than 8,000 miles away when the game starts.
At the same time as his team-mates are attempting to move into second spot in the Premier League on Saturday, the City captain will be in Argentina beginning a desperate fight to be fit in time for the Manchester derby on November 10.
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Having suffered a dead leg in the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal at Eastlands last Sunday, Tevez has been told he will not be able to play for 'about two weeks' after tests revealed severe swelling and internal bleeding around his knee and thigh.
That prompted City manager Roberto Mancini to send Tevez back to see his family in Argentina so he can rest, which has in turn has prompted mumblings about how long the club's talismatic forward can continue to balance his career at Eastlands with his complicated private life.
Roque Santa Cruz, Tevez's team-mate, this week suggested the Argentinian suffers from homesickness and the former Manchester United forward took an extended international break at home two-and-a-half weeks ago to spend time with his baby daughter.
City sources have since stressed, though, that this latest visit was all Mancini's idea to get Tevez fit to face former club United at Eastlands next month.
Tevez is in the second year of a five-year contract but doubts have been raised about whether he will see out his time at Eastlands, particularly as he has never stayed at one club in England for more than two years.
While City are missing Tevez, Joleon Lescott is desperate to make an appearance against his former club.
Lescott started his career at Wolves, making 212 league appearances in seven years before joining Everton.
The 28-year-old England defender has been frustrated at his failure to nail down a regular place in Mancini's team.
After helping City defeat Poland's Lech Poznan in the Europa League, Lescott was relegated to the substitutes bench against Arsenal.
"I was very disappointed not to be playing (against Arsenal)," said Lescott. "I found out Sunday morning I wasn't involved and it was hard.
"But I was there to give the boys my support, and if I'm not playing against Wolves, I'll do the same."
Wolves have so far struggled in their second season back in the Premier League. Mick McCarthy's side finished last season in a creditable 15th spot, eight points above the relegation zone.
They start against City without a win in eight league games and next-to-bottom in the table.
"It's been frustrating for everyone how well we've been playing without getting results," said defender Jody Craddock.
"We are playing well and we've got the belief that the results will turn for us."
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