Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that the Manchester City squad would welcome the return of Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine striker remains absent without leave in his homeland following a touchline row with City boss Roberto Mancini in September.

However, the 28-year-old is reportedly ready to come back to Manchester and help the club in their pursuit of the Premier League table.

His compatriot Zabaleta believes that Tevez would be accepted into the fold upon his return.

"He would be welcomed by the players, because it was a difficult situation for everybody. But most important is that we are doing well as a team," said Zabaleta.

"I miss Carlos and we haven't seen him for a long time. In this situation we have to be very calm.

"People talk too much about it, for sure, about when he will be back, but we have to concentrate and be focused on what we are doing."

Tevez has not played for City for five months.