Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini snubbed Carlos Tevez's comeback game last night.

Tevez made his long-awaited comeback in a reserve game against Preston behind closed doors at City's Carrington training ground, but Mancini was nowhere to be seen after jetting back to Italy to see his family instead.

It proved an inspired decision, with Tevez looking rusty and lethargic before being taken off at half-time in the 3-1 defeat. Tevez had one shot on goal but looked off the pace due to his lack of match fitness.

He was watched by club officials Brian Marwood and Patrick Vieira, who will both report back to Mancini on how Tevez played.