Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri set to miss showdown against former club Arsenal

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri seems certain to miss Sunday's Premier League encounter with former club Arsenal.

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

And, whilst the problem is not serious, manager Roberto 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 okay for next week."

Mancini confirmed striker Sergio Aguero was fit to start, as is Mario Balotelli.

The Italian forward was left out of City's squad altogether for the trip to Madrid, sparking claims of another bust-up with his manager.

However, Mancini insisted that was not the case.

"This story is totally false," said the City chief.

"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, 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.

PA