Mancini waits on Toure answer

Kolo and Yaya Toure: Manchester City are hoping the Ivory Coast can face Manchester United in the FA Cup

Roberto Mancini expects to learn by Friday whether Yaya and Kolo Toure can play in Manchester City's FA Cup tie against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Toure brothers have been included in the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations and are due to report to the national team party.

Defender Kolo and midfielder Yaya are scheduled to attend a team meeting in Paris on Saturday before starting a two-week training camp in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

However, Mancini has requested that the duo can delay their departure in order to be available for City's third round clash at home to local rivals United.

Waiting

"We have asked the Ivory Coast manager because they have a meeting in Paris on Saturday," said Mancini.

"We have asked whether Kolo and Yaya can stay with us and then they can go to Abu Dhabi.

"We are waiting for an answer and I expect to know either today or tomorrow."

City boss Mancini has also suggested he may struggle to fill his bench for the game against the Red Devils, with Gareth Barry suspended, and Mario Balotelli and Samir Nasri carrying injuries.

He added: "Just for Sunday, I think we have 17 players. I don't think we'll arrive with 18 on the bench because Barry is suspended, Mario is injured and Samir was better yesterday, but I don't know."