Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli sidelined with virus ahead of Reading match

Premier League team news

It appears we won't be seeing any backflips from Mario Balotelli (or indeed any postmen) anytime soon... "When I score, I don't celebrate because it's my job. When a postman delivers letters, does he celebrate?" (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will miss the champions' Barclays Premier League clash with Reading this weekend after suffering from a virus.

Captain and defender Vincent Kompany (groin) is hoping to prove his fitness while midfielders James Milner (hamstring) and Gareth Barry (suspension) return.

Forward Samir Nasri (hamstring) will miss the game and the Boxing Day trip to Sunderland while defender Aleksandar Kolarov (knee) is also out this weekend.

Provisional squad: Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Maicon, Kompany, Nastasic, Lescott, K Toure, Clichy, Milner, Y Toure, Garcia, Barry, Silva, Sinclair, Aguero, Tevez, Dzeko, Razak.

PA