Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes bemoans injuries
Mark Hughes believes the absence of key personnel played a significant role in Manchester City's 3-1 home defeat to Fulham.
The Uefa Cup loss against Hamburg in Germany on Thursday proved costly in terms of injuries as Craig Bellamy, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Benjani and Wayne Bridge all picked up knocks.
For Sunday's Premier League game, Robinho was only named on the bench as Hughes tried to freshen things up with the introduction of long-term absentee Martin Petrov and youngster Kelvin Etuhu to partner Valeri Bojinov upfront.
The changes did not have the desired affect and, despite Stephen Ireland giving the hosts an undeserved lead, second half goals from one-time City midfielder Dickson Etuhu and a Clint Dempsey brace gave Fulham the three points.
"I think it showed that we're missing key individuals and that energy that you need in the Premier League," he told Sky Sports.
"Obviously Fulham had the advantage of a clear week and coming into the game at the end we obviously felt the effects of the game in midweek.
Tiredness
"But sometimes when you have tired minds, sometimes tired minds make mistakes in key areas of the field.
"We then make an error and then when we go behind in the game. We're chasing the game and given our efforts on Thursday it's always going to be difficult for us.
"We always had to take a chance and push people forward but we're disappointed but there are reasons for it, we're missing a lot of players.
"I tried to introduce a bit of freshness in the team with the likes of Martin Petrov, Kelvin and I gave Robinho an opportunity to rest from all the football he has had."
Despite the defeat, the former Blackburn boss remains hopeful that he could get his injured players back in time for the second leg against Hamburg.
"I think it's a case of picking ourselves up," he added.
"Obviously Shaun didn't play today we're hoping he might be ok, Bridgey (Wayne Bridge) is touch and go whether he will play.
"Obviously we have to get players back to give us that energy that we need."
