Micah Richards has claimed that Carlos Tevez could be blamed by Manchester City fans if the club fail to win the Premier League this season.

Tevez, who has been absent from the City side since a public row with Roberto Mancini last September, is expected to return to action in the next few weeks.

Despite Tevez adding depth to the league leaders' squad, Richards fears that the striker could come in for criticism if the club fail to finish first at the end of the season.

Richards said: "With the fans, it's probably 50-50. The best thing he can do is come back and get his head down.

"If we do end up winning the league and he's played a massive part in that, then I'm sure everyone will forgive him.

"If we don't, then it could be the opposite. It's a mixed feeling really but, for me, I'm glad to have him back because he's an outstanding player."

Mancini's side face Blackburn Rovers in thier next Premier League game on Saturday.