With both Yaya Toure and new signing Wilfried Bony away on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, you would think that the sooner the tournament ends for the Elephants, the better it is for Manchester City.

However it might be more complicated than that. If the Ivory Coast were to be dumped ignominious out of the tournament in the early stages Manchester City could be welcoming back two demotivated and disappointed players. Not exactly the mentality you want when challenging for a title.

Of course this could be read in the complete opposite direction; disappointment in the Cup of nations would mean that club trophies like the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions league would represent the best chance of silverware for the two African players

much depends on City’s form without the two of them

The argument becomes then; is it better to have the pair back early on the back of defeat but possibly hungry to avenge it, or to return later but with a winning mentality and the hunger to continue it?

To be honest, much depends on City’s form without the two of them. It is unlikely they would be around for the game against Chelsea, so it will be a great test for Fernandinho and Fernando in Toure’s absence. It would be nice to think that City can deal without the absence of Toure, but as previously covered he played such a pivotal role at the minute it looks difficult to replace him.

Wilfried Bony at the minute is somewhat of an unknown quantity, as to how he will fit into the team and what his place in the lineup will be. In his case the sooner he can come into the squad, and integrate into Manuel Pellegrini’s system, the better.

It feels disloyal somewhat to wish two Manchester City players national team ill, but I’m selfish. Hopefully Ivory Coast will continue their tradition of under performed in the Cup of Nations, possibly in the quarter finals, and bring back an important duo for City.