Mancini worried as Balotelli may need surgery

The former Inter striker’s season has already been disrupted by injury and suspensions. Balotelli has only made seven starts since he joined the Manchester club.

"I'm worried because he can't play for another three or four weeks at an important moment for us," City boss Roberto Mancini told the BBC. "To have an operation done and then to have another problem two months later is strange."

"He may need surgery. We just don't know. He must rest, then he will have treatment and work. Hopefully then he will be okay," added Mancini.

With Balotelli absent, Mancini can rely on new signing Edin Dzeko who will be available for Saturday’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.