Blackburn vs Manchester City preview - Dzeko makes peace with Mancini

Posted Saturday, October 01, 2011 by PA

Edin Dzeko could start against Blackburn after confirming he has been forgiven by Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini for his furious reaction to being substituted in Munich this week.

Mancini vowed that no City player would behave in such a manner again whilst he remained in charge.

Dzeko vented his frustrations as he was making his way to the dugout after being replaced by Nigel de Jong 10 minutes into the second half of City's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern, then continued his angry rant as he took his seat.

However, the Bosnian has now apologised. And Mancini has accepted.

"I know my reaction (to being taken off) was bad," he said.

"I have spoken to the guys and to the coach as well.

"I have apologised for the reaction and Roberto has accepted it and said that everything is okay and that we have to be positive for the next game."

Mancini's forgiveness clearly does not extend to Carlos Tevez, who has been suspended for two weeks pending an internal investigation into the manager's claims that he refused to play.

De Jong is likely to be on the bench again and though Adam Johnson is back in training after an ankle injury it may be to soon for him.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is still waiting on the fitness of defenders Scott Dann and Michel Salgado.

Neither player has trained this week and the pair will undergo late tests to determine whether they will be able to face City at Ewood Park.

Martin Olsson is definitely out through suspension following his red card at Newcastle but Gael Givet has recovered from the knock he sustained at St James' Park and should be available, while Kean confirmed Ryan Nelson and David Dunn are edging closer to a return.