Blues boss to check on Rodwell fitness

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will run the rule over Jack Rodwell in training before deciding the extent of the midfielder’s potential involvement in the Barclays Premier League opener against Southampton at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Rodwell, troubled by hamstring problems in recent times, could make his City debut in the clash with the Saints, a week on from the confirmation of his move from Everton.

Mancini will also assess the fitness of goalkeeper Joe Hart, who could return after missing the 3-2 Community Shield victory over Chelsea due to a back complaint, while defender Micah Richards (ankle) and midfielder Gareth Barry (abdominal problem) are definitely ruled out.

Provisional squad: Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Kompany, K Toure, Lescott, Savic, Clichy, Kolarov, Milner, De Jong, Johnson, Nasri, Y Toure, Silva, Dzeko, Aguero, Tevez, Balotelli, Rodwell.