Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits he's likely to recall Mario Balotelli for their Champions League clash at Villarreal.

Mancini feels the 21-year-old could be a key figure to City's hopes of qualifying from Group A due to the experience he has of the competition from his time playing with Inter Milan.

"I thought Sergio needed to play after his injury, and Dzeko played very well on Wednesday (in the cup game against Wolves), scoring two goals," Mancini said.

"With Mario, sometimes it is important that he gets rest - and also because we play again in a few days.

"Mario has experience of the Champions League with Inter and I think he could be important against Villarreal.

"It is important he recovers, even though he only played for 20 minutes."