Roberto Mancini has revealed his intention to rest Carlos Tevez this week and prove Manchester City are not a one-man side.
Argentina striker Tevez is likely to sit out City's Europa League visit of Lech Poznan on Thursday following his goal-scoring heroics during Sunday's 3-2 win at Blackpool.
The 26-year-old, who notched a brace at Bloomfield Road, has featured in all but two of City's 13 games this season, as well as representing Argentina, causing Mancini concern over whether his star man is doing too much.
The Italian also wants the rest of his team to show they can manage without the talismanic captain, who has already netted seven league goals this season.
Mancini was happy with the displays of Sunday's other goalscorer David Silva and striker Emmanuel Adebayor on Sunday, and is confident they can have an impact on the European stage in the absence of Tevez, who could return against Arsenal on Sunday.
"I will probably rest Carlos on Thursday or Sunday," Mancini told the Daily Mirror.
"I will speak with Carlos and we will decide. Out of the games, there will probably be one for which Carlos will stay on the bench, because he needs to recover.
"Carlos is a key player for us, but then for us all the players did well at Blackpool. There were other good performances as well as Carlos.
"Manu Adebayor worked so hard, probably the defenders were tired by the time Silva came on. Silva is also very important for us. He's a fantastic player."
Mancini admits he is worried by the amount of travelling Tevez has already done this campaign as a result of his international commitments.
The City boss intends to appeal to Argentina coach Sergio Batista to leave the striker out of next month's friendly against Brazil in Doha, adding: "It's a problem for Carlos.
"Argentina don't play games in Europe, but in Japan, Australia, Brazil. This makes it difficult for a player. Carlos arrived back on Thursday last week tired and he needs to recover.
"If Argentina were to leave Carlos here sometimes, it would be better. They have a friendly in November. But I hope that for that game Carlos can stay here. It would be better for him and better for his country."
