Roberto Mancini: Mario Balotelli is a weapon

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that controversial striker Mario Balotelli can be a "weapon" in their Champions League campaign.

The Italian star has missed City's first three matches in the competition due to a suspension from last season.

Balotelli is now back in the squad for the clash with Villarreal tomorrow and looks likely to start.

"Mario is going strong and I am convinced that this time it will last," Mancini said. "He will be our weapon in the Champions League. He knows the Champions League from his time with Inter.

"It's an important competition for him because it's the first game after his ban."

Though Villarreal have had a stuttering start to the La Liga season, Mancini believes that they still pose a threat in the Champions League.

"It will be very hard because they are a strong team at home," he added.

"They are not good in La Liga at this moment but it is still difficult in the Champions League.

"If we want to do a good job we will have to have fresh players and play strongly. I am convinced we will qualify, I think nine points would be enough."

City are currently third in Group A with four points from three games.