Manchester City Boss Says Mario Balotelli Will Be Ready for Derby Against United

On Sunday, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini said that he was "finished" with Mario Balotelli. He went on to say that he would "probably" sell the 21-year-old forward this summer.

How quickly life in football changes.

Following Tuesday's announcement from the English FA that Balotelli would face no further sanctions as a result of his unpunished studs-up challenge on Arsenal's Alex Song during the weekend's match, Mancini is changing his tune.

The forward was sent off against Arsenal anyway because of a pair of yellow cards.

But the FA decision means that instead of facing a season-ending ban, Balotelli will only be forced to serve the three-game suspension associated with his dismissal.

Now rather than being finished, the flip-flopping manager says Balotelli will be ready for the derby match against league leaders Manchester United.

"Mario will be available for the United game and that is good," Mancini said, "...Mario did a mistake, but when someone apologizes everything is finished."

It would, of course, be cynical to suggest that the City manager's change of heart came at roughly the same moment he heard Wigan beat Manchester United, allowing his club to close the gap at the top of the table to just five points.

City and United clash in the derby which could decide the Premier League season on Monday, April 30th at the Etihad.