Carlos Tevez won’t be in the City lineup against Arsenal this weekend.
The striker sustained a knee injury whilst on international duty with Argentina and, after consulting with their national medical reps, Hughes has ruled him out and even considers him a doubt for the trip to Old Trafford the weekend after.
“We heard yesterday (Monday) that Carlos had a knee problem, our doctor has spoken to the Argentine medical people and the feeling is that he is out for the weekend so he will not play against Arsenal”
“The hope is that he will be OK for the derby, but we will have to determine that when he comes back.”
The news will come as a bitter blow to City and Tevez, particularly if he is to miss the United game. It also gives Hughes some issues given that Robinho is also considered a doubt having also picked up a knock, ironically, against Tevez and Argentina in the same match. According to Hughes, the Brazilian is due to return to Eastlands today when he will be assessed for the Arsenal game.
The absence of Tevez almost guarantees another start for Craig Bellamy in the City lineup, while Petrov would be the likely benefactor should Robinho fail to make it.