News in Brief manchester city

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Mark Hughes expects to see injured forward Robinho back in action next week. The Brazilian has been sidelined for over two months with a stress fracture of his ankle. During this spell Robinho has been constantly linked with a move to Barcelona but Hughes is relaxed about the situation. Hughes said: "The only problem is that he is not fit and I cannot play him. That will resolve itself, we hope, in the next week or so. It is about him getting back playing and enjoying his football again. And that takes away any other focus on Robi."

Robinho admits to the lure of Barcelona

Robinho, whilst admitting admiration for the playing style of Barcelona, had had no contact with the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian only signed for Manchester City last year for £32million from Real Madrid but his brief stay at Eastlands has been blighted by constant rumours linking him with a move away from the club.

"Of course I would like to play for Barca. Who would not? We could have so much fun," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"It would be a pleasure to play alongside (Lionel) Messi, my compatriot Dani Alves, Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, with all of them.

"They're a great team. I played against them and know their quality. But right now I can only do it on the PlayStation.

"It is a pleasure to watch Barca play. They look like the best Brazilian team with the way that they use the ball. Pep Guardiola's team is truly spectacular."

"It is an honour that a coach like him (Guardiola) speaks well of Robinho and values me as much as I have read he does. It fills my heart with pride," he added.

"But now is not a question of whether there is a loan move or I sign in the winter market or in the summer.

"It is a question of sitting down and talking when there is a serious and concrete proposal and as I have said before I have not personally received that.

"Now would not be the right time to say things that could be badly interpreted here or there.

"I have a contract with City and being the professional that I am, I am dedicated to them."