The majority of the Manchester City team have reportedly urged manager Roberto Mancini to leave Mario Balotelli out of the side's crucial Premier League clash with arch rivals Manchester United.

The controversial Italian will be available for the mouthwatering contest on April 30 after serving a three-match ban from a red card picked up during City's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal a fortnight ago.

"He is never going to be a team player," the Daily Star quotes a source as saying.

"His teammates are genuinely concerned about the Manchester derby, not because of the damage United can do but the damage Balotelli can do if he repeats the antics we saw at Arsenal. Everyone has been more comfortable in his absence."

Despite reports linking the Italian striker with a switch away from the Etihad Stadium this summer, Balotelli has maintained that he is committed to the North West outfit.