Tevez likely to miss derby clash

Tevez was previously a fans' favourite on the other side of Manchester

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is "very doubtful" to be fit for the game against his former team Manchester United on 20 September.

The Argentine injured his knee on international duty and despite earlier hopes to the contrary is unlikely to be fit for Sunday's match.

"The signs are not encouraging," assistant boss Mark Bowen told the club's official website.

"We wouldn't 100% rule him out, but it's very doubtful."

The potential loss of the former Manchester United player will be a big blow to City, who are already without Robinho due to an ankle problem.

606: DEBATE

If Ireland is fit then United should be very worried ...

cityRoj

And Emmanuel Adebayor could also miss out as a result of the Football Association disciplinary charges following the game against Arsenal.

The former Arsenal striker faces two charges relating to an alleged stamp on Robin van Persie and his celebrations after scoring City's third in a 4-2 win.

Roque Santa Cruz, a £17m summer signing from Blackburn, will also miss the game, but Bowen said the striker is close to making his debut.

"I doubt he will be available, but it's nice to see him back anyway," he said.

Robinho suffered a stress fracture of the ankle playing for Brazil in the game that also saw Tevez injure his knee.

The Argentine would have been particularly keen to line up against his former side given the circumstances of his departure from Old Trafford.

He became a fans' favourite after joining on loan in August 2007 but left because he was unhappy at the length of time it took United to offer him a permanent deal.