Thatcher could face Tottenham

Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher could return to the squad for the match against his former club Tottenham tomorrow after missing the draw at Middlesbrough with a calf injury.

Manager Stuart Pearce said: “I think Ben will be fine. He wanted to play at the weekend then limped past me.”

French forward Antoine Sibierski is doubtful after suffering a back problem during the game at the Riverside Stadium. Claudio Reyna and Danny Mills remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

Probable squad: James, Onuoha, Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Thatcher, Sinclair, Sun Jihai, Barton, Sibierski, Cole, Vassell, De Vlieger, Sommeil, Ireland, Croft, Fowler, Wright-Phillips.