Joorabchian: Blues being kept in the loop on Tevez

THE Carlos Tevez camp have rejected any notion they have left Manchester City in the dark over the player’s whereabouts.

Tevez was allowed home immediately after the Premier League win over Bolton earlier this month because of complications in Argentina with his wife Vanesa’s pregnancy.

The couple’s baby daughter was born prematurely and remains in hospital, where Tevez has been a regular visitor.

However, having been given compassionate leave, with Vanesa now at home and recovering, City boss Roberto Mancini appeared to be at a loss following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool to know when Tevez was coming back, or even where he was.

Mancini had already written the 25-year-old out of his plans for tomorrow night’s FA Cup replay at Stoke but was hoping Tevez might be available for Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated trip to league leaders Chelsea.

Now Tevez’s long-time adviser, Kia Joorabchian, has stepped into the debate, insisting City have been kept fully informed of developments and claiming the South American hopes to be back in England for the weekend trip to Stamford Bridge.

“When your child is in intensive care, it is a very serious matter,” Joorabchian insisted. “When these things happen you have to deal with them and obviously he is having to go through a very difficult period.

“The signs are very positive in terms of his daughter’s recovery and we are all hoping this is the case. He was determined to get back for the Liverpool game but unfortunately the situation didn’t get much better.

“However, she has got better over the weekend and Carlos hopes things will get better, for his daughter’s sake and because he wants to get back and play.”

Joorabchian said Tevez “hoped” to be back for the Chelsea encounter, although, as the player remains in Argentina, nothing can be taken for granted at this stage.

However, Mancini’s concerns at the amount of training he has been able to do have been played down, with Joorabchian vowing to keep City informed about the situation.

“Carlos has been keeping the club informed on a daily basis,” he said. “He is also training daily with the national team of Argentina out there and spending one and a half to two hours there.”

City could certainly do with Tevez at present. In the absence of their star man, the Blues have been held to home draws by Stoke and Liverpool.

Tevez’s energy might have made a difference, although, as Gareth Barry admitted, it appeared both Liverpool and City went into Sunday’s contest with a “must-not-lose” mentality.

“It was probably more important not to lose,” said the England midfielder, who could at least console himself with the knowledge City remain a point ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand.

“Anyone who watched the game would sense it. There is so much to lose. You might come away with zero points and the other team might have three.

“It was very tactical and even playing it felt so tight. You did not want to lose. It is not just us and Liverpool. There are a few other teams battling it out and you don’t want to give anyone the upper hand.”