Samir Nasri

Argentine striker Sergio Aguero was not part of the national team matches in the World Cup qualifying rounds recently due to an injury. It has been speculated that the striker may even miss the league action for his club Manchester City, but manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed that he expects the striker to be fit for the match against Newcastle during the weekend. City will be welcoming Newcastle to the Etihad stadium knowing that they have an imperious record against the north-eastern team.

Since arriving at the club more than four years ago, Mancini has managed to drop just two points against Newcastle. Hence, three points is more or less on the offering for the City manager in his pursuit of the arch rivals Manchester United. City need to win all their remaining matches without exception if they are to have any hope of catching United. Even then, the chances of City retaining the title look extremely remote because Sir Alex Ferguson's men have already built a significant 15 point advantage with just eight matches remaining in the campaign.

Along with the return of Aguero, Mancini is also likely to be boosted by the return of defender Vincent Kompany, who took part in Belgium's World Cup qualifying match recently.

"Vincent is not in our plans for [Everton] but I think he will be ready for the Newcastle game, like Sergio. It is difficult. Vinny is a really important player for us and now it is 45 days he has been out. It is a big problem. Sergio is in Argentina but he will come back on Sunday," said Mancini. Meanwhile, he has rejected any speculation linking him with a move away from City in the summer. He has been linked with a move to Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, but Mancini has rejected such rumours.