Rodwell absence worries Mancini

MANAGER Roberto Mancini is hopeful Jack Rodwell will have a successful career at champions Manchester City - despite admitting concern over the midfielder's fitness.

Rodwell, signed for £12million from Everton in August, has not played since suffering the latest of several hamstring injuries in October.

The 22 year old had hoped to return before Christmas, but suffered a setback and was ruled out until early in the new year.

Mancini said: "He is getting better and we hope we can recover him in two or three weeks.

"He needs to start working with the group and he didn't do this until Thursday.

"We hope we can improve this situation for him."

Rodwell has made only two starts and four substitute appearances this season.