Lescott has been ruled out for up to five weeks with a hamstring problem sustained in the warm-up before the 2-1 win over Fulham at the weekend.

That means he will miss tomorrow's clash at home to former club Everton and will more than likely still be out for games against Manchester United and Arsenal at the end of April.

"Joleon went to see a doctor in London and he said it will be four or five weeks before he can come back," said Mancini.

"I think there is a good chance that Joleon could play in the last two weeks of the season.

"We are unlucky because Joleon is an important player for us and we have lost him in a crucial moment, but that is football."

City have the chance to regain fourth spot against the Toffees, a match Mancini describes as "crucial".

But even though a win would put them five points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand, he is refusing to rule out Rafael Benitez's side.

"I think Liverpool are a strong team with a good manager and I think we must fight with them, Aston Villa and Tottenham. I don't think Liverpool are out," said the Italian.

"We always hope the other teams lose but it is important we do our job very well like at Fulham.

"Everton are in good form and they work very well on the pitch and it is a crucial game for us. If we win tomorrow we will have more chance [of finishing fourth]."

City have yet to lose at Eastlands this season, winning nine and drawing four, but Mancini insists they cannot rely on their six remaining home matches to see them through to fourth place.

However, he believes 21 points from a possible 27 would get them into the Champions League next season.

"If we win seven games I think we go, but I think it will be difficult," he added.

"If we want to get fourth spot we must win always. It will be important that we win at home and away.

"In the last three games we have won in London twice, against Chelsea and Fulham, and drawn at Sunderland.

"It is important we have the same spirit away as we do at home."

Mancini will not go for a more attacking strategy to secure those 21 points however, especially now his defence has been weakened by the absence of Lescott.

"It is important the squad that goes on the pitch is balanced," he added. "It is important when we defend the whole team defends, and when we attack they all move forward.

"If we work well, we are always concentrated for all the games, we are in with a chance."

At the weekend Mancini was linked with a return to Italy to coach Juventus next season, but he stressed he had a long-term job to do at City.

"I am very happy here," he said. "I want to do a good job and it is important for me I can work well with the players and be an important team."