Lescott out for 4-6 weeks

After a short period of mystery, the extent of Lescott's injury has now been revealed to be the slower-healing tendon injury - putting him out of action for up to six weeks. This is not only a blow for City, but shortens the chances of City-representatives in the England squad.

On the back of some impressive performances for City recently, Lescott had put together a strong argument for his inclusion this summer. Not only would he offer his versatile help in the weak left-back position (and versatility is an important attribute in a tournament where games come quickly), but he was looking like an adequate replacement for the injury-prone first-choices of Terry, Ferdinand and Upson. If, at worst, Lescott is only fit enough for selection in City's final two games of the season, will Capello have reservations about picking him.

On Lescott's side is the same theory that will hinder Adam Johnson's late claim. Capello will already have a good idea of the squad he wants to take. As Lescott made the last squad and the fact he can offer cover at left-back, should weigh in his favour. His race to be fit for City's run-in is vital though, as Capello is unlikely to pick a player who hasn't featured for his club since early March.

For City, Lescott has been our star performer of late and he can offer the aerial dominance that is lacking throughout the rest of the team. Toure is a very good defender when the ball is on the ground - a fact that facilitated his success against the ball-playing Fulham, but important tests against Carew and Crouch, for example, would have benefited from Lescott's extra inches.

The other options are academy duo Nedum and Micah. City will be hoping that Onuoha will be able to blow away the cobwebs of inactivity to be able to produce the high-level performances he is undoubtedly capable of, should he need to be called upon. Questions still remain about Micah's awareness for the role in the middle, but his extra bulk could put him in good stead against the more physical sides. The key player in Lescott's absence is Kompany and he will need to stay fit to avoid a return of Hughes-era leakiness.