Samba star's recovery from ankle injury takes longer than anticipated

Manchester City forward Robinho is set to miss another three weeks of football as he continues to struggle with the ankle injury picked up whilst on international duty.

The 25-year-old suffered a stress fracture playing for Brazil against rivals Argentina at the beginning of September and was initially set to be sidelined for a month.

City boss Mark Hughes has revealed that Robinho still has his ankle in plaster and has revised his return date to the end of October meaning he could miss the games against Aston Villa, Wigan and Fulham.

This will come as a blow to City with Emmanuel Adebayor possibly set to miss the same three games if City fail in their appeal against his improper conduct charge, which is set to be heard on Thursday.

With Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tevez on form though they should be able to cope, especially as Roque Santa Cruz was fit enough to make his debut from the bench in the win over West Ham on Monday night.

Midfielder Michael Johnson also made his first appearance in over a year, after a series of injuries, late in the second half.