The Argentina striker is struggling with a knee injury and seems set to miss the chance to face his former club.

"He is back here and we'll assess it from there, but he is very doubtful," assistant coach Mark Bowen told City's official site.

"What we are hearing is that it's probably going to keep him out, but until the doctor assesses him hands-on we don't really know

"The signs are not encouraging. We wouldn't 100 per cent rule him out yet - fingers crossed and we are always hopeful, but it's very doubtful."

City are already without Brazilian ace Robinho who is nursing an ankle injury, while top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor is facing a three-match ban.