Mancini denies rift with Bellamy

Bellamy has often had problems with managers (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Craig Bellamy could be available for selection against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Italian has denied a report of a serious rift with the striker, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.

However Mancini said they had a difference of opinion about the way the problem was being managed.

He will now monitor Bellamy's fitness over the weekend and the Welshman might come into contention and face Liverpool.

According to the report, Mancini screamed at Bellamy after the player refused a request to train on Thursday with one of the manager's Italian staff.

The Italian apparently then told him not to come back from three months.

That was emphatically disputed by Mancini, who said: "Today Craig is here, working with the physio. It was the same yesterday.

"These things (an argument) can happen in a job. I don't have problems with Craig.

"I spoke with him in the office and read that I shouted at him. But I didn't. We just spoke face-to-face.

"He is having treatment at the training ground and if the knee is okay, he will be available for Sunday."