d in time while Aleksander Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Wayne Bridge are ruled out through injury.

Boss Roberto Mancini said: "Mario is still sore, so we must wait over the next two days. He has this problem in his knee.

"We will wait for the Sunderland game, it is impossible he is not fit for that match.

"We won the first game against Timisoara but it was difficult. I will make three or four changes as it is impossible for players to play every three days.''

Timisoara coach Vladimir Petrovic is hoping his side raise their game.

The Romanians went down 1-0 at home in the play-off first leg with Mario Balotelli scoring the winner on his debut.

It means City are clear favourites to go through to the group stages of the competition after investing millions in strengthening their squad.

The Premier League side have drafted in six new players this summer and Petrovic knows the clubs are worlds apart in terms of resources.

He said: "City have a huge advantage. Not only are they ahead in the tie, they can pick two squads. I do not know which one is best.

"We have never been favourites and after the first leg it has become even harder for us. If we had managed a draw it would have been a different situation.

"But we have to come here in the hope of playing an excellent game. We will try to do our best and play some football.

"We will try to attack City if we have the chance, knowing that it will be huge for the club if we did manage to progress in the competition.''