City salvaged a 3-3 draw against Sunderland on Saturday, a result which leaves them five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.

There were allegations that Balotelli had clashed with Toure after the game, but Mancini said the reports were 'totally false'.

City have been boosted by the news that Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play against Arsenal at the weekend, with Mancini confirming the Argentine's return.

"It was just three or four days that he was out, but yesterday he started to train for the first time," he said.

Mancini also responded to critics who have already written his side out of the title race after their dip in form.

"Now I think it may be more difficult, but it is my opinion that this championship is not finished," he said.

"Why not it is possible, if they win all of their games congratulations they (United) deserve to win this title but with seven games until the end I think anything can happen.

"We’ve lost four points in two games which is also possible for them."