Tevez back in blue but Preston ensure a bruising welcome

After his refusal to warm up in Munich, his 12-week vacation in Argentina, millions of pounds in fines and the months of blame and counter-claim, Carlos Tevez finally made a return to action for Manchester City yesterday.

The controversial striker played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors reserve match against Preston North End at his side's Carrington training ground.

The Argentine, who had not played for City since falling out with manager Roberto Mancini in September, apparently saw "plenty of action without getting a goal chance", according to City's Twitter feed. The representatives of League One Preston ensured Tevez was on the receiving end of some robust tackles as he began to reacquaint himself with the pleasures of the English game under the watchful eye of fellow City striker and compatriot Sergio Aguero.

The result? Preston won 3-1. Welcome home...