Man City’s Benjani will miss the opening games of the season after picking up a thigh injury.
The striker pulled a muscle in training and he isn’t expected to recover in time to make the season opener on August 16. It’s not yet known just how long he’ll be sidelined for.
City’s options up front are now severely limited with new signing Jo also out of the opening two games due to involvement with the Brazil at the Olympics. That will mean that Hughes may have to turn to Vassell or Bojinvov, with the likes of Corradi and Bianchi expected to depart in the coming weeks.
Hughes has been linked with the likes of Bellamy and Santa Cruz of late and City will now need to bring in someone of their quality or risk falling short on firepower for the start of the season.
Fantasy managers should certainly monitor this situation with regards to the value of Martin Petrov. The winger is a major temptation as a mid-price midfielder but without a striker to tuck away his crosses, his output could be severely hampered.