Stevan Jovetic is confident that Manchester City can cope in the absence of Yaya Toure and maintain their impressive form.

Toure opened the scoring in this evening's 3-2 win over Sunderland in a victory that saw the defending Premier League champions move level on points with leaders Chelsea.

However, the Ivory Coast midfielder, who has netted seven league goals this season, will now miss up to a month of club football due to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Frank Lampard proved the match-winner at the Etihad after the Black Cats came from two goals down, and Jovetic says that the veteran midfielder can fill the void left by Toure.

"Frank can help fill the gap Yaya leaves," he told The Mirror.

"We know Yaya is an important player for us, but he has games with his national team. I wish him luck, but hope he can come back soon and finish what he started."

City, who sit second behind Chelsea on alphabetical order, host Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup on Sunday.