Berkovic struggling to be fit

Influential playmaker Eyal Berkovic is struggling to make next Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The City midfielder has missed the last three games with a combination of stomach and groin problems and manager Kevin Keegan is already concerned about his availability for the Old Trafford trip.

“I would not rule him out but it is looking doubtful,” the City boss told the club’s official website, www.mcfc.co.uk

“I have been told by the physio at times that Eyal is okay but then he has trained and broken down again.

“Sometimes the pain areas have moved, so we will just have to wait and see how it goes.

“He is a player who loves to play on the big stage but that is not a good enough reason to bring him back. It is a big ask not to train for two and a half weeks and then throw someone into a derby.”

Berkovic has been one of the great success stories of City’s return to the top flight and his absence would be a big blow to the visitors chances of recording their first league double over the neighbours for 33 years.

Keegan has other fitness problems too, with former Red Devils goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel needing to recover from the back ailment which has kept him out for three games.

Combative midfielder Danny Tiatto has not yet recovered from his pelvic problem, while Jon Macken has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. Paulo Wanchope was due to start training again today but he has no chance of facing United either.