Robinho may return at Anfield
Mark Hughes has not ruled out the possibility of Robinho making his comeback in Manchester City’s enticing encounter with Liverpool at Anfield on November 21.
The Brazil striker has not played for the Blues since injuring his ankle on international duty in September.
However, he has been able to start training, with the prospect of more to come over the next 10 days.
Robinho has flown from City’s present base in Abu Dhabi to link up with the Brazil squad ahead of their friendly with England in Qatar on Saturday.
Hughes is expecting the former Real Madrid star back in camp at some stage over the next two days.
And, such is his progress, it is possible he could feature against Rafael Benitez’s struggling side when the Premier League recommences next weekend.
“I wouldn’t close the door on it,” confirmed Hughes. “He probably needs a couple of weeks to get up to speed before he is considered for selection and I would imagine the Liverpool game will be too close.
“It would be a big ask, but we will see how he goes next week.”
If Robinho does not make Anfield, he would probably face Hull at Eastlands the following week.
That would put him in contention to face Arsenal in the Carling Cup quarter-final on December 2 as City look to close in on their first major cup final appearance since 1976.
Robinho will not be considered for tomorrow’s friendly with the United Arab Emirates, and neither will Craig Bellamy who, after opting out of Wales’ friendly with Scotland, did not train this evening after reporting a slight groin injury.
In addition, veteran full-back Sylvinho is a doubt with a calf injury that restricted him to a solo session in front of City owner Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
