Source: SKY_Sports
Santa Cruz faces lay-off
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes expects new signing Roque Santa Cruz to be out until the end of August.
The 27-year-old Paraguayan striker, who was signed from Blackburn for £17million, will have to wait for his debut in City colours as he continues to recover from knee surgery.
But with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Robinho, Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy all waiting in the wings, there is no need for Hughes to rush the South American forward back into action.
"We knew Roque would have a period of rehabilitation when we signed him, but we have good options up front," Hughes told the club's official website.
"If we can, we want to give him the time he really needs, rather than getting him back early and having him at 70%.
"Rather than bring him back too soon I would rather give him the time that he needs. We are hoping by the end of the month he will be available."
Santa Cruz hit 23 goals for Blackburn in 57 appearances during his two-year stay at Ewood Park, and with the plethora of strikers available to Hughes, will be hoping he can return to the fold as soon as possible to make his mark at Eastlands.
