Manchester City manager Mark Hughes was grateful for having some good news on the injury front after Craig Bellamy was ruled out for at least three weeks with tendon damage. Brazilian star Robinho could also miss matches after picking up a knock. 

 

Striker Bellamy suffered the injury against West Ham and will miss some big matches for City. The former Real Madrid man also came off the worse for wear against the Hammers. However, a list of varying long-term absentees including Benjamin (thigh) and Michael Johnson (groin) are both closing in on fitness with Valerie Bojinov, the £6M signing from Fiorentina also finally on the mend after almost two years of constant problems including cruciate damage and a ruptured Achilles tendon. Martin Petrov is making good progress after damaging his knee on international duty and initially being ruled out for the year.

Bojinov is an unknown quantity in the Premier League but Hughes is confident the Bulgarian will produce the goods after such a terrible run of injuries. ''Providing he stays clear of the injuries that have compromised him so much, Valeri has a real opportunity to establish himself as a top Premier League player.''