Bridge poser for Mancini

Bridge: Niggling knocks

Roberto Mancini is at a loss to explain Wayne Bridge's ongoing injury troubles at Manchester City.

The full-back has struggled with niggling knocks throughout the 2010/11 campaign, severely restricting his involvement in first-team activities.

His latest setback came on Tuesday when he broke down just 20 minutes into a training session.

Bridge was believed to be among those City would look to offload in January as they attempt to counter their elaborate summer spending.

They will be hard pushed to find a buyer, though, if the injuries do not dry up, with mounting concerns raised as to his long-term fitness.

Mancini admits the situation has left him frustrated, with Bridge of little use to him at the moment as he is incapable of steering clear of the treatment table.

Difficult

"It's very difficult if a player is always injured, it's very difficult that he can play," said the Italian.

"He started to play again in the first (Europa League) game in Salzburg and after 70 minutes was injured. He played against Blackpool and got injured. He played in Poznan and after 70 minutes he got injured.

"It's impossible that he can play. Every time he was available he played."

Mancini has refused to bring the curtain down on Bridge's City career, insisting he remains part of his plans heading forward, but admits he is growing increasingly concerned for the 30-year-old defender.

"It depends on him as he's always injured and he can't finish (games)," he added.

"If he's available he's part of the group. He's been unlucky. It's a physical problem: always hamstring or groin."