Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits they face a major test being without their African Nations Cup pair next month.

Mancini faces the biggest headache as key man Yaya Toure and his brother Kolo could be away for four weeks with Ivory Coast.

Mancini said: "For us it is a problem. If we are top when Yaya and Kolo come back, we can win the title. We hope they can remain here until the Wigan game on January 16 if it is possible. That is one week before the start of the tournament.

"If Ivory Coast reach the final, they will come back on February 12."