The Mail has the story that will cause some consternation to Blues fans as they reveal that Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor could miss up to ten games in the New Year on international duty.

Ian Ladyman and Matt Barlow illuminate the back pages with the news that the City duo might have to join their respective countries for the African Nations Cup as early as Boxing Day.

Although the tournament doesn't kick off until January 10, Kolo's Ivory Coast and Manu's Togo will be within their FIFA rights to demand their presence two weeks ahead of the start.

Their absence will already mean the pair missing a possible Carling Cup semi-final over two legs, and both Togo and Ivory Coast are fancied to reach the latter stages, with the final on January 31.

But as the Mail points out, Mark Hughes will hardly be happy to lose them so early. Chelsea and Arsenal are in the same boat - Ghana have made clear they want to see Michael Essien soon as.

The Mail's back-page exclusive from Matt Lawton reveals that one of the friendlies Fabio Capello is lining up pre-South Africa will give Carlos Tevez a shot at England with Argentina.

And just to complete a Mail hat-trick, City boss Sparky talks about derby rivalries on the eve of the Mersey showdown - and his nomination of the fiercest might be a surprise to some.

Other newspapers are available.