Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits that the departure of star midfielder Yaya Toure to the African Cup of Nations could hamper his side’s title challenge.
Toure will feature in next weekend’s FA Cup third round showdown with Manchester United, before heading for international duty with the Ivory Coast.
That will leave a massive hole to fill in the City engine room, with Mancini’s men 8/13 with bookmaker to win the Premier League this season.
“I have tried to find another Yaya in my squad, but there isn’t another Yaya,” Mancini admitted. “He will be a big loss and it will be difficult because he is such an important player for us.
“January is a big month for us and I think if we can come out on the top of the Premier League, I think we will have a very good chance to win the title.”
