Zaba boosted by big guns’ return

MANCHESTER City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes the return of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and Edin Dzeko will give them a significant boost in an important month.

A 1–1 draw at Everton – where Steven Naismith equalised Fernandinho’s earlier strike – saw Chelsea move two points ahead at the top of the Barclays Premier League, and with a trip to Stamford Bridge to come at the end of January City can’t afford any more slip–ups.

But amid the disappointment at Goodison Park the sight of top scorer Aguero coming off the bench for his first appearance since early December was welcome.

Kompany, also out for a month, was also back as an unused substitute, and while Dzeko did not make the bench he is close to a comeback.

“They are really important players for the team,” said Zabaleta. “We need all the best players 100 per cent fit, because this is a crucial time. There are a lot of games coming up, with the Champions League as well.

“We need to stay focused on what we are doing. We are playing well and that is what we need to win games.

“It doesn’t matter what Chelsea are doing at the moment. We are totally focused on what we are doing.”