Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini considers the next six matches could shape the club's season. A club who view the Champions League arena as the next step are already seven points behind leaders Chelsea.
The teams are due to meet at Eastlands a week on Saturday - one of a number of crucial games, according to Mancini.
City also face Wigan and Newcastle in the league as well as Salzburg on Thursday in the Europa League, then Juventus.
In addition they have a Carling Cup tie against West Brom to contend with before the international break in October.
Mancini said: "De Jong was injured on Friday with the very last kick of training. Adebayor's injury came a week ago but I think they should be okay for the next game.
"We have a difficult month until the next international break, we need to get some of our injured players back and win these next six games."
