Santa Cruz out until end of August

New Manchester City signing Roque Santa Cruz could be out of action until the end of August, according the team's manager.

Mark Hughes told the club's official website that surgery last season, coupled with rehabilitation, may leave the striker unavailable for another couple of weeks, but insisted the squad has enough strength to cope.

"We knew he would have a period of rehabilitation when we signed him, but we have good options up front," the former Blackburn boss stated.

He also suggested that it is much better to wait the extra few weeks rather than risk bringing the Paraguayan back into the fold "at 70 per cent" fitness.

Santa Cruz is one of a number of summer transfers secured by the north-west-based team, although he has been unable to feature in any of the side's pre-season matches.

Manchester City's first game of the 2009-10 campaign is away at Mark Hughes' previous managerial position Blackburn this Saturday (August 15th)

Odds on the Blues winning are offered at 21/17 with WBX(Go to WBX »), while Victor Chandler(Go to VCBet ») has Blackburn at 9/4 to take the season opener.

By Francis

Written By:- Andy (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 12/08/2009 - 17:00 PM
Filed in:- Football Betting News