Manchester City Football Club News

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Zabaleta faces fitness race

09 Oct 2009 - 16:06:12

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes hopes the hamstring injury that has forced Pablo Zabaleta to miss Argentina's World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay is not too serious.

Hughes hopes that the full-back, who sustained the problem in Monday's 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, will be ready to feature in next Sunday's clash with Wigan Athletic.

Hughes told City's official website: "He's been with the Argentinian FA who have checked him out as, after the game last Monday, he said that he'd felt something with the last kick of the game.

"He felt a slight strain in the hamstring, but he needed to travel to Argentina to get it verified.

"It's a disappointment for him. Argentina have two crucial games and he wanted to be part of that, but it wasn't to be.

"He's played very well of late and that was flagged to the powers that be in Argentina. It would have been great for him to get the recognition for his good form, but it's unfortunate that he's going to miss out.

"He'll be back today (Friday) and, once we get him scanned, hopefully it won't be as bad as feared, although as it stands you have to say that there's a real doubt that he'd be available for our game at the weekend."