Carlos Tevez seems certain to miss Sunday's Manchester derby.

The Argentina star was desperate to feature at Old Trafford after his controversial summer move from United to City. However, he was always a doubt once he injured his knee on World Cup duty against Brazil last week.

"He is back here and we'll assess it from there, but he is very doubtful," City assistant boss Mark Bowen told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"What we are hearing is that it's probably going to keep him out, but until the doctor assesses him hands-on we don't really know.

"The boss has been in contact with the Argentina medical team, as has our medical team.

"But the signs are not encouraging. We wouldn't 100% rule him out yet - fingers crossed and we are always hopeful, but it's very doubtful."

And, while Roque Santa Cruz might have given a glimmer of hope after finally starting training following knee surgery he had before a £17million switch from Blackburn, Bowen cannot see the Paraguayan making it either.

"I doubt he will be available very much, but it's nice to see him back anyway."