Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to welcome back midfield enforcer Nigel de Jong after a six-match absence with an ankle injury.

The combative Dutchman will have to be content with a place on the bench for their clash with Wigan Athletic.

"Nigel has been out for a month so it is difficult for him to be 100 per cent," said Mancini.

"Maybe he could be on the bench to play for 20 minutes or half an hour. Then he can be ready for Dynamo Kiev next Thursday."