Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has denied reports of a bust-up with Mario Balotelli

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has resolutely denied reports of another bust-up with striker Mario Balotelli ahead of Sunday's visit of Arsenal.

The Italian forward was left out of the City squad for Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, which they lost 3-2.

His omission sparked claims the temperamental youngster had once again fallen out with manager Mancini.

But the boss insists that was not the case and confirmed Balotelli, as well as striker Sergio Aguero, are fit to start when City host the Gunners in the Premier League.

"This story is totally false," said Mancini.

"Mario went in the stand only because we started to play with Carlos Tevez in attack and we couldn't have three strikers on the bench.

"There has been no argument, and no row. Absolutely not."

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri seems certain to miss Sunday's encounter with his former club.

Injury

Nasri limped out of the defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night with a hamstring problem.

And, whilst the problem is not serious, manager Mancini feels this weekend will come too early for the France international.

"I do not think he will be ready for Sunday," said Mancini. "We will try but it is difficult.

"I hope he will be OK for next week."

It has been confirmed City will wear black armbands on Sunday in honour of Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes, the two Greater Manchester Police officers killed attending a routine report of a domestic burglary on Tuesday.