City Hit By Lescott Blow

Manchester City's bit to finish in the Premier League top four could be damaged by the news that key defender Joleon Lescott is out for the rest of the season.

Lescott moved to Eastlands in a deal reportedly worth up to £24 million at the start of the season, and has been an integral player at City as the side have battled to finish in a Champions League spot.

City are one point behind Spurs with two games to go, and the two teams go head-to-head at Eastlands on Wednesday night, a match the online betting makes the home side favourites to win.

Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Lescott will not play in City's penultimate Premier League game against Spurs and won't feature against West Ham on the final day of the season.

However, the manager claims there is "no pressure" on his side to finish in the top four despite the millions spent on players in recent years.

Speaking about the game on Wednesday night, the Italian said: "We must not be nervous. We must concentrate 100 per cent because it is an important game for the club."

One piece of better news for Mancini is the likely return to fitness of Gareth Barry for the must-win game against Spurs.

The England midfielder missed their game against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury, but is expected to recover to play at Eastlands.

England manager Fabio Capello will also be pleased Barry has returned to fitness, as the player will likely have a key role in helping the national team justify their World Cup 2010 odds.