CARLOS TEVEZ has handed Roberto Mancini a boost by saying he is "hopeful" of returning from Argentina for Manchester City's Premier League meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, reports Jamie Jackson.

The striker is in Buenos Aires after his wife gave birth prematurely to his second daughter. Kia Joorabchian, Tevez’s representative, said: “Hopefully he’ll be back in time for the Chelsea game – he hopes to be back for the Chelsea game. When your child is in intensive care it’s a very serious matter.”

He said Tevez has maintained his fitness by training every day with the Argentina national squad.