Carlos Tevez will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley due to a hamstring injury.
The Argentina international was hurt during City’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield and is expected to be out until next month.
Manager Roberto Mancini said: “Tevez is not available for Saturday. I think he will recover in three or four weeks. It is a big problem but we can’t take any risks.
“We have six games left and hopefully we can get Carlos back for the last two or three games.”
It means Tevez would still be in with a chance of being fit for the final on 14 May if City make it through to face either Stoke or Bolton.
However, Mancini will be forced to rely on either or both of Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli to derail United’s attempt to win the Treble.
“I still have to decide what to do. But both players know this is an important chance for them.
“Every player knows this is an important moment for the club. If we win we go to a final, so every player will give 100%.”
There was some good news for City though, as full-back Micah Richards has returned to training and is expected to be fit after suffering a hamstring injury on England Under-21 duty at the end of March.
“Micah is available,” said Mancini. “He trained two days ago and again yesterday. He will be okay.”