The 25-year-old has faced criticism after his reckless tackle during Sunday's Barclays Premier League match at Eastlands left Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa with a broken leg.

De Jong was subsequently dropped from Bert van Marwijk's Holland squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden.

"I am very saddened for Ben Arfa - he is an extraordinary player," said Mancini in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I hope he returns to play as soon as possible."

He added: "De Jong is forceful but also loyal.

"He goes hard but not with the intention of hurting anyone.

"Sunday's episode was just an incident of the game.

"The referee saw it and he didn't even call a foul. I don't wish to enter into the decision made by the Dutch coach.

"I hope the referees will continue to evaluate De Jong objectively."

(reopens)

Mancini has also played down a row with striker Carlos Tevez.

The Italian coach exchanged words with the Argentinian star during the half-time interval of Sunday's 2-1 win over Newcastle.

"They are things that happen in any locker room," Mancini told Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

"And when it is needed, it's good that it happens.

"My team fell asleep in the first half against Newcastle, my confrontation with Tevez was a wake-up call for all of them.

"In the second half we won deservedly. So the wake-up call did work."

Mancini insists he has no issue with Tevez.

"A lot of lies have been written," said Mancini.

"Even before he went out on the pitch, we had already clarified the situation.

"When I replaced him in the end, we shook hands.

"I made him (Tevez) captain because I want him to improve in every aspect and he is doing that not only with his goals.

"Tevez scores in the big games, he goes up against defenders that are 1.90m high and has the quality and the determination.

"But a top club cannot depend on one player."

In the meantime, Mancini hopes to recover some injured players.

The City coach has revealed that Italy striker Mario Balotelli could return to action for the upcoming clash with Arsenal.

Balotelli has been sidelined since hurting his knee on his Manchester City debut in August.

"It's time for him to return, and quickly," said Mancini.

"He is recovering well and I hope to have him back for the game against Arsenal on October 24.

"Has it been a long recovery? No, it has been normal. It depends on the player. Sometimes people come back early and sometimes later. I hope with Mario it will be early.

"He had tests on his knee on Friday and again on Monday. It should be okay."