Title-chasing Manchester City will be without striker Sergio Aguero for tonight's Premier League clash at home to Sunderland after picking up a "stupid" foot injury, manager Roberto Mancini said yesterday.

"It is a stupid injury," Mancini told a news conference. "It was not his fault but he can't play with this injury; for one day, 10 days or two weeks, I don't know." Mancini would not give details of the injury. "I prefer not to say," he said. "But he couldn't play against Stoke and can't play tomorrow. I hope he can recover for Arsenal next weekend." City is three points behind Manchester United.

In Aguero's absence, City have the option of handing Carlos Tevez a first start since the Carling Cup victory over Birmingham City in September, even if it is an outside possibility at present.

Tevez has made two appearances as a substitute since patching up his relationship with the club and Mancini said he could be ready for a larger role in City's eight remaining league games.