City missing men in midfield

Manchester City look certain to be without three quarters of their first-choice midfield for Saturday’s Premiership match with Blackburn.

Joey Barton definitely misses out through suspension, while Claudio Reyna and Kiki Musampa are major doubts with ankle and hamstring problems respectively.

There had been some speculation that Reyna could return to action following a two-match absence but City boss Stuart Pearce has cast doubt on the American’s chances of playing against Mark Hughes’ men.

“We still have some hope for Claudio but, in truth, he is up against it,” said Pearce.

Musampa returned to training yesterday after limping out of the defeat at Fulham on November 5.

Scans on the Dutchman’s injury showed a significant amount of bleeding in his hamstring, so Pearce will speak with Musampa before finalising his starting line-up.

Sun Jihai is expected to partner Stephen Ireland in central midfield, while Antoine Sibierski will probably be asked to play on the left should Musampa be ruled out.