Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits they need a 'switched-on' Mario Balotelli for the busy festive programme.

Although the striker is at loggerheads with the club over the punishment, Mancini says he is needed for a busy period which brings five games in 15 days.

"We need to have all the players this month as we have a lot of games in two weeks," said Mancini, who dropped Balotelli for Saturday's win at Newcastle.