Manchester City assistant manager David Platt has claimed that Yaya Toure's absence during the Africa Cup of Nations will not affect his side.
City's form dipped at a time that coincided with Toure's participation in the last Cup of Nations, a factor that they cannot afford to repeat this time around if they want to catch league leaders Manchester United.
However, Platt believes that whatever side is selected should be expected to win, and is hopeful that Toure's absence won't have a negative impact on their form.
"It is irrelevant whether Yaya disappears or not. The challenge is to keep winning football matches," said Platt.
"We have a squad of players that we will have to choose 11 from.
"Whichever 11 we put on the park we would expect to go and take the points."
Today's 3-0 win over Stoke City was the Blues' last game with Toure before he departs.
