Source: SKY_Sports
Santa Cruz lined up for derby
Mark Hughes is hoping Roque Santa Cruz will be fit to make his Manchester City debut in next month's derby against Manchester United.
Paraguay international striker Santa Cruz has yet to feature for City since his summer move from Blackburn Rovers as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
He had provisionally been pencilled in for his City bow at the end of this month, but it is now likely to be a few more weeks before he is ready to return.
Hughes believes the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday 20th September is a realistic date for Santa Cruz to be available for first-team duty.
"We are talking about two or three weeks," Hughes told the club's official website.
"I don't like to put games as a target because it is difficult to predict, but the specialist is really pleased with his progress and I imagine he will be available around the time of the United game, or the West Ham match immediately afterwards."
And Santa Cruz could be joined on the comeback trail by Vincent Kompany, who is also ready to return after having surgery to correct a toe problem.
"Fitness-wise there is no problem because he is a good, dedicated professional," said Hughes.
"As soon as he gets the green light he will be back very quickly.
"There is a little way to go but he is progressing well."
