Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini insists Mario Balotelli remains part of his plans.
Balotelli, who had run-ins with manager Mancini during the club's pre-season tour of North America, was an unused substitute on Monday.
The £24m Italian had also been criticised for heading straight down the Wembley tunnel after being taken off during the Community Shield against Manchester United.
Despite those apparent problems, Mancini insists there are no major issues.
He said: "Mario has his position. For me Mario is an important player but I have always said he needs to improve. He is an important player for us, like Edin, like Aguero, like Carlos."
