Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has commended his teammates after a last-minute Yaya Toure penalty gave the home side a nerve-jangling late win against newly-promoted Norwich City at the Etihad on Saturday.

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has dispelled hopes that Sergio Agüero will be fit for the derby against bitter rivals Manchester United by confirming that the Argentine will be out for a month with a hamstring injury.

City lie six points behind leaders Chelsea, who also have a game in hand, and with both sides crashing out of the Champions League each team will be entirely focused on the league title race.

Barely midway through March, the buzz around the Etihad has diminished and the hopes of Manchester City lifting silverware this season are hanging by a thread.

Man City midfielders Fernando and Fernandinho tried their hands at blind football and sitting volleyball, along with 30 students from Crossacres Primary School in Wythenshawe on Thursday.

While City boss while Pellegrini may have made a huge pre-match tactical blunder starting Fernando, bringing on Fernandinho after an hour was an inspired decision despite the 2-1 scoreline.

Manchester City have suffered a stuttering start to Manuel Pellegrini’s second season in charge but MM believe he has to be given the time to turn the club’s fortunes around in the Premier and Champions Leagues.

City face Sheffield Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium with Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Samir Nasri all ruled out through injury as well as Stevan Jovetic, Fernando and Pablo Zabaleta