Sergio Aguero has vowed Manchester City will fight for Premier League title until the bitter end.
Aguero missed the draws against Stoke and Sunderland which have seen City fall five points behind Manchester United with just seven matches of the campaign remaining.
The derby encounter at the Etihad Stadium on April 30, which for so long has looked like a title decider, is now going to be must-win at best for City.
But no matter how poor the odds, Aguero insists City will not throw in the towel.
"This is no time for moping," he said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again - we are going to fight until the end.
"That's our collective goal and I'm fully committed to it."
Aguero's recent absence has been particularly poorly timed.
Of manager Roberto Mancini's other striking options, Edin Dzeko is presently in a poor run of form, Mario Balotelli's increasing erratic behaviour is casting a shadow over the club and Carlos Tevez has not appeared fully fit since returning to the fold.
And how City's £38 million record signing ended up being sidelined has been a matter of debate since Mancini revealed a week ago that Aguero had been ruled out with a "stupid" injury.
Now, as he closes on full fitness ahead of Sunday's trip to Arsenal, Aguero has decided to set the record straight.
"During the match against Chelsea, I injured my ankle and it was sprayed with a topical anaesthetic that caused a burn on the upper part of my right foot," said Aguero.
"The injury worsened after a few days and when boils appeared I was told I wouldn't play against Stoke and then against Sunderland.
"You can imagine how I felt, being out of playing condition when my team is trying to take the championship. It's always worse from the bench.
"After that I started receiving incredible rumours about how it all happened.
"I know my life is very public and I'm willing to take criticism even if I disagree with it. but I will not sit quietly while lies are being spread - even more so if they cast doubt upon my professionalism.
"This is a simple injury and not a plot of intrigue.
"It's hard to believe it happened while we are fighting for the title," he said of his injury.
"This is the real status of my injury. I got back from practice today and it's not bothering me.
"If it all goes well, I'll be at coach's disposal next Sunday."
Yaya denies Balotelli bust-ups
Yaya Toure has rubbished claims he fought with Mario Balotelli during Manchester City's recent encounters with Swansea and Sunderland.
Toure was said to have had a half-time bust-up with Balotelli during the 1-0 defeat to Swansea City last month, and there were fresh reports of a row between the pair during the 3-3 draw at home to Sunderland last weekend.
Toure, though, insists the claims are "just not true" and said he views the Italy international as a "brother".
"They said I fought with Mario at Swansea and against Sunderland," he told the Daily Mail. "That shocked me. My lawyers called me about this and it was the first I knew about it.
"It's just not true. It didn't happen. I am a footballer, not a boxer. People don't know my relationship with Mario. He's not my friend - he's my brother and I love him. To say we had a fight is very sad. It upset me and I feel sorry for Mario. He suffers most from these things.
"At half-time against Sunderland it was very difficult. We are trying to win the league and are losing 2-1. It's not good. But everybody was quiet. We were just looking at each other, trying to find a way to turn the result.
"But I didn't even talk to Mario. The next day he sent me a text message saying, 'Apparently we had a fight'. I just want to stop people writing and thinking that."
Italian giants Juventus are plotting a £40m summer swoop on Manchester City for Argentine forward Carlos Tevez. The 28-year-old has been linked with big-money moves to Serie A in the past, with Inter and AC Milan previously the supposed suitors. talkShite
Anderlecht teenager Mathias Bossaerts, 15, says he has agreed to join Manchester City in the summer on a four-year deal. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... lecht.html
Balotelli's agent takes swipe at tabloids
Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli is an "easy target for tabloids" according to the striker's agent who has come clean about a fling with Jenny Thompson.
Balotelli, who is in a long-term relationship with Italian model Raffaella Fico, has been a controversial figure since moving to Manchester City in 2010.
His on and off-field antics, both positive and negative, have caught headlines and his agent has spoken out amid claims the story about his "brief involvement" with Thompson was set to be made public.
Mino Raiola, who represents Balotelli, said: "Mario is a young and impulsive football player and as such he is an easy target for tabloids looking for stories and people seeking to benefit from being associated with him.
"Lately I feel that the chase has become more purposeful and women, in particular, are targeting Mario looking to make money from him directly or by selling stories to newspapers.
"In this regard, we therefore wish to confirm that Mario has had a brief involvement with Miss Jennifer Thompson, a well-known figure amongst tabloid readers in England.
"Mario prefers to admit what has happened, has refused any means on offer to try to keep the matter silent and will deal with any consequences his actions bring in the way of public attention.
"However, he prefers to deal with his personal life in private and had told those close to him about this situation prior to any suggestion of this matter becoming public."
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[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Netherlands international Dirk Kuyt is set to lead an Anfield exodus as Liverpool begin rebuilding their squad at the end of the season. Daily Mail
Manchester United want £26m Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos, 22, after he starred for the Spanish side in the Red Devils' Europa League downfall. Daily Mirror
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is planning a £6m summer swoop for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, 25. Daily Star
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers wants to bring defender Steven Caulker, on loan from Tottenham, back to the Liberty Stadium next season.
Barnsley's young captain Jacob Butterfield could be heading to Newcastle in a £2m deal Wales Online
Striker Saido Berahino, who has scored four goals on loan at Brentford, is returning to West Bromwich Albion for personal reasons. Birmingham Mail
Former France international and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has urged Arsenal to swoop for 21-year-old Rennes sensation Yann M'Vila at any cost. "You will see he is the best midfielder," said Desailly. "Better even than Patrick Vieira." Daily Mail
Newcastle could fork out £2m for Barnsley captain Jacob Butterfield, 21, despite the midfielder's knee ligament injury ruling him out of action until the start of next season. The Magpies are still willing to sign the player, agree compensation with the Tykes and take up Butterfield's rehabilitation programme. Daily Mirror
Promotion-chasing Southampton and Europe-chasing Newcastle have both made bids for Burnley's in-form striker Jay Rodriguez. Burnley manager Eddie Howe admits the 22-year-old could be on the move this summer. "I'm sure there will be clubs looking at him," admitted Howe. "We'll wait and see on that one." Daily Mirror
Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, expected to leave Old Trafford in the close season, could be headed for Turkish side Galatasaray. Caughtoffside
Veteran Stoke midfielder Salif Diao has been told he can leave the Britannia at the end of the season. The 35-year-old Senegalese wants to continue playing in England as his family are settled. talkShite
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has revealed that Fabrice Muamba has started to walk as he continues his remarkable recovery from a cardiac arrest. Daily Telegraph
Wolves owner Steve Morgan wants former Manchester United striker and Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take over at Molineux. Daily Mail
Wayne Rooney reckons Danny Welbeck has been Manchester United's player of the season. Daily Express
A court in France has dismissed David Ginola's lawsuit for slander and defamation against Gerard Houllier, a case which stemmed from a qualification match for the 1994 World Cup. the Independent
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has admitted the Tottenham job would interest him if Harry Redknapp vacated it to take up the role as England boss. "They are a major club with a bright future," said the former Everton defender. Metro
However, Juventus coach Antonio Conte is apparently the real favourite for the Spurs job. The 42-year-old former Italy international midfielder has guided the Old Lady on a 30-match unbeaten Serie A streak. Daily Telegraph
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, who has been out with a serious knee injury, says he has always believed his United colleagues would win the title this season. "The manager is the best at replacing players and the team still win titles and trophies," explained Vidic. "That is why Manchester United are so special." the Sun
Defender James Perch may have secured his future at Newcastle following his recent run of form. Newcastle Journal
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has told on-loan Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi to rest and recuperate after a hectic period for the teenager. "There has been an awful lot asked of the kid," Coyle admitted. "We will need to get him rested up as best as we can." Daily Mirror
Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh, 28, says he has no intention of leaving Emirates Stadium at the end of the season. "I have spoken to [manager Arsene] Wenger and I will stay at Arsenal," predicts the Moroccan. Metro
Former Norwich and England goalkeeper Chris Woods has backed current Canaries stopper John Ruddy, 25, not to let talk of an international call-up affect his club performances. "He's a great reader of the game, a great presence," Woods said. "He's just proved to everyone how good a keeper he has become." Daily Express
Darren Bent is optimistic he will be fit for Aston Villa before the end of the season and for England at Euro 2012. Birmingham Mail
Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has endeavoured to lift the spirits of his squad by taking them on a day trip to popular North Yorkshire theme park and zoo Flamingo Land, where the average adult entry fee is £28.50. Metro
England's top female footballers will wear their Twitter account name on their jerseys in an effort to increase interest in the women's game. the Guardian
more bollox later
