Bullish Tevez back for Bridge battle

Published Feb. 26, 2010 1:40 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Argentine international has returned to England after returning to his homeland on compassionate leave following the premature birth of his daughter. Tevez has been away for the last ten days and he is expected to go straight into the City starting line-up at Chelsea on Saturday as Emmanuel Adebayor begins a four-match ban this week. "Yes I am ready to play," said Tevez. "It is not like I have been sitting around. I have practiced with the national team every morning and I feel good." Tevez defended his decision to take an extended stay of absence and he insists there is no problem with City boss Roberto Mancini over his time away from the club. "Roberto Mancini knew from the beginning but he's under a lot of pressure as the team is not winning," added Tevez. "He is under pressure for me to come back but we have already discussed everything and I am calm. "I am sure he understood and if he didn't understand, I don't care. "With family issues football takes a back seat."