Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says Carlos Tevez should carry on playing for Argentina even though the striker was hurt on international duty.

Tevez suffered a knock during the victory against Spain in a midweek friendly and is doubtful for the Barclays Premier League match with Blackburn tomorrow.

The club captain indicated he might retire from Argentina but Mancini said: "It is important that a fantastic player like Carlos plays for Manchester City and the national team. The national team is always important.

"Would I mind if he carried on? No. But sometimes I would like Carlos and all players to stay here during the break. It is difficult when they re-start.

"The problem for me, like other managers, is that we have had players away on international duty. We work for two weeks with three players. It has been difficult," he said.

Mancini is of the school of thought that would like to see international friendlies in August scrapped.

"Yes I agree with this because it is incredible," he said. "After the World Cup some players came back but only stayed for three days. They did not train then they had a game with their national team. It is impossible for the players."

However Mancini was delighted that six City players finished England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in Basle.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry, James Milner, Adam Johnson and Shaun-Wright Phillips all played a part in the 3-1 victory.

Mancini said: "I was very proud. It is a fantastic thing for the club to have six players in the England team. It is an incredible situation for us."