FORMER Everton defender Joleon Lescott is set to miss Manchester City’s game against his former club on Wednesday after suffering a hamstring injury and will have a scan to determine the extent of the problem manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed.

Lescott – who was also injured for City’s 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park in January – picked up the problem during the warm-up of the 2-1 Premier League win at Fulham and is the latest player to give Fabio Capello a fitness scare.

David Beckham is out of the World Cup with a ruptured Achilles, Ashley Cole has a serious ankle injury, Aaron Lennon has a groin problem and last week Jermain Defoe tore his hamstring.

“Joleon had a problem before the game in the warm-up, a muscle,” said Mancini.

“I think he can’t play against Everton. At the moment I don’t know how long he’ll be out. He’ll have a scan.”

Despite Lescott’s absence, City were ahead at Craven Cottage through Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez before the break, then they held on for victory after Danny Murphy pulled a goal back from the penalty spot.

Referee Lee Probert then turned down another penalty appeal when Chris Baird’s cross struck Vincent Kompany, meaning City moved into fifth place and will be in the Champions League places if they defeat Everton at Eastlands on Wednesday.

“It was an important win,” Mancini said. “Here, against Fulham, it’s difficult. They’re a good team and have a good manager.

“It was important for us, but it’ll be a fight until the end of the season with the other three teams. Liverpool are a fantastic team, and I think we must fight with them, Aston Villa and Tottenham.”

Fulham suffered a European hangover after defeating Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday, although Roy Hodgson was pleased with his side’s response in the second half.

“I thought the team did remarkably well to come back and had much the better of the second half and came close to an equaliser,” said the Fulham boss.