Kia Joorabchian expects Carlos Tevez to be available for Manchester City's trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

Argentina international Tevez was given compassionate leave and allowed to return to his homeland earlier this month due to complications with his partner Vanesa's pregnancy.

The couple's baby daughter Katie has been in intensive care after being born prematurely and it had been unclear when Tevez would return.

City boss Roberto Mancini said he expected Tevez to return in time for the Chelsea game after speaking to him earlier this week, and Joorabchian confirmed the player would soon board a plane for England.

The Iranian businessman told Argentinian newspaper Ole: "Thank God, Katie is getting better despite still being in hospital.

"So Carlitos told me he was going to fly back to England in the next hours and will play Chelsea on Saturday.

"It has not an enjoyable trip home, but Carlitos had to stay because of problems, not because he did not want to play.

"It proves the sort of man he is. Family first."