South American Trio Out Of Schalke Clash

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UEFA GROUP A BIG MATCH BUILD UP:

Mark 'Bluesy' Hughes confirmed in Gelsenkirchen to City's official site the reasons why the trio have stayed in Manchester:

'Robinho has a sprain at the moment so there's a little bit of concern there. He is certainly not fit for the game against Schalke, so he has not travelled with us, but we are hopeful for the weekend.

'Pablo Zabaleta has a thigh injury, he took a bang to the thigh and there's quite a bit of bruising around it. There could be a slight strain in there, which is another concern ahead of the weekend.

'Elano's wife has had a baby and there were a few complications, so he has stayed behind, but they are all okay so we wish them well.'

City will train in Schalke's spectacular Veltins Arena this evening where something of a Plan B is sure to be discussed and the travelling Blue Army amongst others could well be reviewing the gaffer's options.

Fingers and everything crossed that the three key squad members are fit and firing for the rags on sunday. Certainly Robbie's injury does not sound as if it is responding to treatment.

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