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Stevan Jovetic could make a long-awaited return to the City squad for today's vital clash with relegation-fighting Crystal Palace.

The Montenegro striker has been the subject of feverish speculation after playing just five times for the Blues following his £22m summer move from Fiorentina.

Some have claimed that he has failed to settle in the area but City have always maintained that his absence has purely been down to hamstring and calf problems.

And M.E.N. Sport understands he could land a place on the bench at the Etihad Stadium for this afternoon's 3pm kick-off.

A Blues' source said Jovetic took full part in the warm downs after Boxing Day's 2-1 win over Liverpool and could be ready to put his injury nightmare behind him.

Jovetic had been pencilled in for a comeback at Leicester City in the Capital One Cup but is yet to return for Manuel Pellegrini who is expected to be without mercurial Argentinian Sergio Aguero for another two weeks.

“He (Jovetic) is an important player for us as Aguero is out and we can’t play every game with Negredo and Dzeko,” said City's Chilean boss.

“That is why we split them, as we have to play Crystal Palace, then again Wednesday and Saturday.

“Jovetic will be important, we hope, and can recover soon. We hope in the second half of the season he will do well.”

Matija Nastasic could return to the heart of City's defence for the visit of Tony Pulis' side while Vincent Kompany may be rested.

The Serbian centre-half limped out of the Blues' 6-0 romp over Spurs at the Etihad on November 29 and was an unused substitute on Thursday.

After another sterling performance between the posts Joe Hart is likely to take the gloves again.

Pellegrini believes he is reaping the rewards of an enforced six-week 'rest' and denied claims his custodian, 'the best in England' had suffered from a loss of belief.

“I don’t think Joe ever lost his confidence, either his own or the trust of myself, the rest of the team or (goalkeeping coach) Xabier Mancisidor who works with him,” he said.

“He needed a rest and it was very good for him – he has continued to be the best goalkeeper in England.”

At right-back Pablo Zabaleta may be handed a well-earned break after he came back early from a hamstring injury and played a full 90 minutes against Liverpool.

With Micah Richards injured, candidates to replace him are few and far between although left back Gael Clichy has moved across defence recently.

If the Blues can see off the low-flying Eagles, who are one place above the drop zone, they will go top – with Arsenal not in action until tomorrow.