Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta says the presence of Carlos Tevez has lifted everyone at the club this preseason.

Zabaleta said: "Carlos is a normal person but a big character to have around. Mark Hughes and his staff have said to me what a fantastic player, what a good professional he is. Everybody here is very happy with him.

"He has a big desire to play, so it's been frustrating for Carlos, the problem with his foot. He wasn't able to train with us, but this week he can train well, and maybe he can play in the first game. Even with his problem, he was training in the gym every day."