Roberto Mancini has confirmed Carlos Tevez is in contention to feature in Manchester City's game against Chelsea next week.
• Mancini ponders Tevez gamble
Tevez returned to training with City a month ago after ending his Argentinean exile, and has since played in two reserve games.
With City having failed to score in the recent defeats to Sporting and Swansea, there has been increased talk of Tevez's return for next Wednesday's game at home to Chelsea.
Asked if the forward could be available for that match, Mancini said: "We will see in the next week. It depends on Carlo. If Carlo is okay then probably, but it depends on a lot of things."
Tevez will not feature in the return leg against Sporting on Thursday as he was not registered for the Europa League squad. Gareth Barry will also miss the tie as he is struggling with a back injury, which Mancini believes was exacerbated by his involvement in England's friendly with Netherlands at the end of February.
Mancini said: "Gareth has had a problem with his back for 20 days. He can't run well. When he went to the national team he had a problem.
"On Sunday he didn't play well but I think that is because he had a problem. We will see for him in the next days but probably he needs another two or three days' rest.
"These players are not like robots - they need to rest. Instead they go to the national team instead of resting for two or three days. It is impossible for these players to play for ten months every three days."
Captain Vincent Kompany is unlikely to return before the trip to Stoke on March 24 due to a calf injury but fellow defender Joleon Lescott could be on the bench on Thuesday after a calf problem. Right-back Pablo Zabaleta, also out with a hamstring injury, could be back in contention to face Chelsea.
