Yaya Toure's importance to City was again highlighted on Thursday as the team were beaten in his absence - through suspension - at Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.

The dynamic midfielder was sorely missed when on international duty in January and early February but had returned to reinvigorate City's Barclays Premier League title charge with outstanding displays against Blackburn and Bolton.

With City just two points clear at the top with 11 games remaining, the 28-year-old is vital to his club's title hopes, and Kolo Toure said: "You know Yaya's quality - he is a great player.

"The team helps him play well and he helps his team-mates.

"He is technically unbelievable - he can play up front, at the back, down the middle, anywhere. He is a great player.

"Obviously we have some great players in this team and we are glad we have him as well."

Yaya Toure should return as City look to protect their advantage at Swansea tomorrow.

Kolo Toure is also likely to have a role to play with influential captain Vincent Kompany ruled out with a calf injury and his regular centre-back partner Joleon Lescott having a minor groin problem.

Right-back Pablo Zabaleta also remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but Micah Richards is expected to compensate for some of the defensive problems by returning.

City's title rivals Manchester United are also in action tomorrow as they host West Brom and Kolo Toure knows there is little room for error.

The 30-year-old said: "The season is long and in England there are no small teams.

"Every team will give their best and try to win against both teams [City and United].

"Every game we play between now and the end of the season is going to be massive for us.

"We will give it our all at Swansea. It is going to be a difficult game but we know with the quality we have, and the experience we have, we can do a good job."

Manager Roberto Mancini has indicated striker Mario Balotelli, who was fined a week's wages for breaking a club curfew last week, could start at the Liberty Stadium.

Balotelli impressed as a late substitute in Lisbon and there is a feeling the 21-year-old could be given the chance to repay the backing Mancini has given him over a series of misdemeanours.

When asked about this, Mancini said: "I hope so, but also last Saturday against Bolton he played well and scored a goal."

When asked further if Balotelli could start every remaining league game, Mancini said: "Yes, he can."

Mancini also knows that his side can ill afford any slip-ups as the battle with serial title-winners United intensifies in the coming weeks.

The Italian even thinks it might take a record points haul to shake off their neighbours.

City can finish with a maximum of 99 points if they win all 11 games - one of which is against United - a total which would eclipse Chelsea's Premier League best of 95.

Mancini said: "If we get to 99 we will win. Sixty-six plus 33 is 99 - but I am not good at mathematics."

Mancini is not taking anything for granted against Swansea, a side he hailed as one of the best, in terms of playing style, in the Premier League earlier this season.

He has not changed his opinion.

He said: "It will be a tricky game because Swansea play very well at football. We will need to play well if we want to win there.

"I can say they are one of the best teams that play football.

"I think every game from now until the end will be problematic because we play teams playing against relegation, playing for the Champions League or the title.

"Swansea at home are fantastic, they are having a good season but we want to continue winning."