City Must Overcome Robinho Blow - Hughes

The Sky Blues boss has urged his charges to prove they are no one-man team when they face Schalke tonight in the UEFA Cup.

Nov 26, 2008 11:10:30 PM

Robinho, Mark Hughes, Manchester City (PA)

Manchester City will be without Robinho for this evening's crucial clash at the Veltins Arena, as the Brazilian superstar was omitted from the traveling party with an ankle injury.

However, the 24-year-old forward is expected to be back in action for Sunday's derby date with Manchester United.

"Robinho has a sprain which is a bit of a concern but we're hopeful for the weekend," Mark Hughes, the Eastlands club's manager, told the Daily Mail.

The former Real Madrid man has been in scintillating form, as demonstrated by his showing in City's 3-0 win over Arsenal last Saturday.

Such has been Robinho's impact since his €42 million switch from the Bernabeu that some pundits are expecting the Citizens to crumple against Schalke.

And Hughes admitted that his players must step up and prove their worth against the German giants.

"We have to know how to deal with the opposition without him (Robinho) because there will be occasions during the season when maybe we need to take him out of the fray," the Welshman said.

"He has been excellent for us. He's played every game and maybe there will be occasions when we will need to look after him in terms of giving him a rest."

City will also have to make do without Selecao playmaker Elano and Argentine full-back Pablo Zabaleta.

--Kieran Quentin, Goal.com

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