Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has revealed that the players at the club are looking forward to Carlos Tevez's return to first team football.

Tevez hasn't played for City since allegedly refusing to play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last year, but could be in line to make his return against Chelsea on Wednesday after issuing an apology.

Lescott has now joined the voices that are eagerly anticipating the Argentinian's comeback, claiming that it will be like a new signing for the club.

"He's like a new signing. He's not been injured so he is not going to be struggling too much in terms of sharpness and fitness," Lescott told Sky Sports News.

"All the boys are excited and can't wait for him to get playing again. Over the last two years he has probably performed at the highest consistent level as anyone else, so none of us discourage what Carlos has done for the club and obviously what he continues to do.

"Obviously the situation was not great for the club and it looked bad for everyone, but it was dealt with and the bright side is now that we have got him back and got him in the team again."

City currently sit second in the Premier League, one point behind local rivals Manchester United.