Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell hopes to be back from his latest injury setback by the end of the month.
Rodwell pulled up with the latest in a long line of hamstring problems in the first half of last week's Barclays Premier League win at Aston Villa. The 22-year-old had been making just his second start since returning from a three-month lay-off in January.
Rodwell told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "Obviously you don't want to tempt fate but I'm not looking at this as a lengthy absence and I hope to be back in a couple of weeks. Hopefully I can play my part in the run-in and help us win some silverware and end what has been a frustrating season on a high."
The highly-rated Rodwell joined the champions in a £12million deal from Everton last summer but his City career is yet to take off.
His initial performances were indifferent and he then had a short spell out with a groin injury before being struck by more hamstring trouble in October.
Rodwell's early years at Goodison Park were also plagued by hamstring injuries. He has since worked hard on his fitness and made a number of lifestyle changes to try to eradicate the recurring problem. He insists he is not disheartened by this latest setback.
He said: "I was more upset for our physio department who have been fantastic and have helped me feel stronger than ever before. We've had a discussion and we all agree that the best course of action is to continue what we were doing before because it worked so well.
"This is an injury that can strike at any time to anyone and I'm sure it is something that I'll be rid of before too long, but it's an ongoing process and something that can't be rushed."
Manager Roberto Mancini is likely to update on the fitness of two key players before the end of the week. Captain Vincent Kompany has missed the last seven games with calf problems while striker Sergio Aguero's knee injury has sidelined him for two matches.
Mancini said last week he hoped both would be back in contention for this Saturday's trip to Everton.
Source: PA
