Manchester City are hopeful Mario Balotelli and David Silva will be fit for their match away to Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Wednesday.

Balotelli was absent from City’s 1-0 victory over Blackpool at Eastlands on Saturday, a result that saw Roberto Mancini’s men stay second on goal difference from leaders Manchester United, with a minor knee problem dating back to surgery at the start of the season.

Spain winger Silva limped off in the win over Blackpool but City coach David Platt is optimistic the former Valencia man will be able to feature at the Emirates Stadium.

The game against Arsene Wenger’s side could be pivotal in the title race and Mancini will be desperate for the duo to be available.

“Silva got a bang on his knee and just opened his knee up a little bit,” Platt said.

“The pleasing thing was that he walked off the pitch and hopefully it’s not anything too serious,” the former England midfielder added.

“Mario had a knee problem. In the early part of that operation, a bit of blood leaked in there. Every now and again he has a little swelling on it.”