Roberto Mancini: City will "probably" sell Mario Balotelli

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has revealed that the club will "probably" sell Mario Balotelli at the end of the season.

The controversial striker was dismissed for the fourth time in his City career on Sunday during his side's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.

The loss means that the Blues are now eight points behind leaders Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.

When asked if the 21-year-old could be sold in the summer, Mancini told reporters: "Probably but I don't know, it depends because Balotelli is a fantastic player. We want 11 players but with Mario on the pitch, every time we play we risk him being sent off."

Mancini also claimed that the Italian would not play again this season.

"We have six games and he will not play in the next six games," he added.

City bought Balotelli from Inter Milan in August 2010 for around £20m.