Mancio's Options Set To Be Stronger For The Swamp

Roberto Mancini's makeshift side is set to be strengthened in the coming days as The Blues aim to make progress in both the FA Cup and League Cups...

City's lengthy absentee list eased in the past week with the still rusty Shaun Wright-Phillips returning to action.

But yet another injury to Roque Santa Cruz meant that City had to go into the League Cup semi-final first leg against the rags missing 7 senior squad options: RSC, Lescott, Bridge, Johnson, Toure, Vieira and Adebayor.

Recent absentee Nedum Onuoha made a successful return from injury as a second half substitute against the rags and Stephen Ireland made the bench but was not risked during City's explosive win.

Ireland is now fully fit and is highly likely to start Sunday's FA Cup 4th Round clash at Scunthorpe alongside City debutant, the France skipper Patrick Vieira.

Assuming they negotiate that game succesfully both players will then be in contention for the semi-final second leg in Stretford next Wednesday.

Joleon Lescott is also understood to be making excellent progress from knee surgery and may yet play a part at Scunthorpe.

City's patched up team have received a further boost in the form of giant striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Mancio has revealed that Ade will be back in Manchester within the next few days.

Certainly, the experienced inclusion of Ireland, Vieira and Adebayor in the City line up would bolster the Blues bid to beat the rags and reach Wembley.

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