Back in training after his self-imposed exile in Buenos Aires, Carlitos is expected to re-enter the first-team to try and inspire a late City surge for the title

Manchester City's Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that compatriot Carlos Tevez will be making a return to the English club's first-team in the near-future, and expects the controversial striker to feature in next Wednesday's meeting with Chelsea.

The Argentine forward went AWOL from Manchester after being punished for his alleged refusal to come off the bench against Bayern Munich, and has not played for the club since September 2011.

After spending over four months in his native Argentina, however, the Albiceleste international rejoined Roberto Mancini and his squad in the new year, and has been training and playing with the reserves.

Speaking on Thursday morning, international and club team-mate Zabaleta believes that the time is right for Tevez to return to action, and marked the Chelsea match as the one in which the star will make his comeback."Roberto [Mancini] has told us that he will most likely give Carlos some minutes next Wednesday against Chelsea," the full-back told Radio 9 in his native Argentina."In this team Tevez was a key player over the last two years. The final phase of the tournament begins now and his contribution will be vital for us."Manchester City are currently one point behind city rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, with 10 games remaining in the 2011-12 season.