Robinho's return delayed

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has revealed Brazilian forward Robinho is set to be sidelined for another three weeks after injuring his right ankle.

The 25-year-old picked up a stress fracture while playing in his country's 3-1 win over Argentina on 5 September.

Initially it had been thought he would be out for just a month but Hughes has revised his recovery time.

"It is still in plaster, so he is not training, just doing work in the gym," said Hughes.

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It is amazing to think that not only we able to comfortably absorb a prolonged period of absence for Robinho - the reality being that we have not missed his presence in the side - but once he does return, the form shown this season by Craig Bellamy, and indeed Martin Petrov in the victory last night, he will find himself effectively third choice for that spot on the left hand side.

Whilst Hughes has shown he is capable so far of managing players expectations (although still early days) given the size of the squad, Robinho kicking his heels on the sidelines could well be a different prospect - especially given it is a World Cup year.