Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez will miss Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley, manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed.

The Argentina international injured a hamstring in Monday night's defeat by Liverpool at Anfield, and is expected to be out until next month.

"Tevez is not available for Saturday," Mancini said. "I think he will recover in three or four weeks."

It is a major concern for City given Tevez is by far their most prolific player. "It is a big problem," the Italian continued. "But we can't take any risks. We have six games left and hopefully we can get Carlos back for the last two or three."

Every player knows this is an important moment for the club. We could go to a final, so every player will give 100 per cent.
Roberto Mancini ahead of Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United

It means Tevez would be in with a chance of making the final on 14 May, if Mancini's men make it through to face either Stoke City or Bolton Wanderers.

However, Mancini will be forced to rely on either or both of Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli to derail United's treble bid. "I still have to decide what to do," said the Sampdoria legend.

"But both players know this is an important chance for them. Every player knows this is an important moment for the club. We could go to a final, so every player will give 100 per cent."

There is some good news for City, though, as right-back Micah Richards has returned to training and is expected to be fit after suffering a hamstring injury on England U-21 duty at the end of last month.

"Micah Richards is available," said Mancini. "He trained two days ago and again yesterday. He will be ok."