Toure Returns To Blues

City skipper Kolo Toure has returned to Manchester as his Ivory Coast team were knocked out of the African Cup of Nations.

The summer signing from Arsenal saw his team beaten 3-2 by Algeria, who progressed to the semi-finals, meaning a quick return for the former Arsenal man.

Toure could now be in contention for a place in the squad for the trip to Old Trafford for the second leg of the League Cup semi-final against United on Wednesday.

However, Toure faces a stiff fight to regain his place in the starting line-up with Micah Richards pushing for a start alongside the fit again Nedum Onuoha and the fine form of youngster Dedryck Boyata.

And with Joleon Lescott soon to return, Roberto Mancini will have a favourable selection headache in the coming weeks.