Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes rules out Robinho
Manchester City's pursuit of a place in Europe has been dealt a blow after manager Mark Hughes announced that Robinho is not expected to be fit for Saturday's crucial trip to Tottenham.
The £32.5million British-record signing has been struggling with a groin injury since last weekend's derby defeat to Manchester United and is now set to miss the match at White Hart Lane.
Tenth-placed City will view the news as a bitter blow as they attempt to overhaul Spurs, who occupy eighth spot, in the battle to qualify for the maiden campaign of the Europa League.
A seventh-placed finish, a position currently occupied by Fulham, would be enough to secure continental football next season but City trail the Cottagers by three points.
And the Eastlands outfit's attempts to catch Roy Hodgson's side will not be assisted by Robinho this weekend, with Hughes saying: "We do not expect him to be fit this weekend.
"We are hoping he will be okay for Bolton next week."
Good newsHowever, there is some good news for City as Shaun Wright-Phillips looks set to be available for the match in North London after a recent knee problem.
"There has been some bruising on the bone which has taken longer to recover from than we thought," added Hughes on Thursday.
"But he's back training again from today and we think he will be fine for the weekend."
Hughes also allayed fears over the future of England Under 21 star Michael Johnson, who was rumoured to be fighting to save his career from a long-standing groin problem.
"Michael is seeing another specialist this week," said Hughes. "The good news is that he doesn't need surgery.
"What he needs is more rehabilitation on the medical side. It is a little bit complicated but we're hoping he will be back playing for the start of next season."
