File Under Ridiculous? Rocky International Recall

It's been a long haul back from serious injury for Roque Santa Cruz. He gave it everything against Scunthorpe but was woefully off the pace at Brum. Now he's been recalled by Paraguay.

Paraguay are playing lowered intensity friendlies this month, fair enough, against Qatar and Holland but surely City should step in and block this call up Sir Taggart style in order to ensure his rehabilitation is managed in-house at City?

City have invested heavily in Santa Cruz having signed him after a repeated pursuit following serious knee surgery. The player has been heavily strapped up for both of his appearances this season.

Most of City's striker signings this year have a degree of fragility and injury prone records about them, so it would make sound sense to limit the risk of more international injuries from a City 2009-10 campaign with high aspirations. There is no time for passengers at the level we are aiming for. We need all the options we can get.

What do you think? Should Mark Hughes refuse permission for certain players, especially Rocky to head for international friendlies this month? Give us a shout both here and in the VMC Forums.

TWO THOUSAND AND BEYOND - JOIN VITAL MANCHESTER CITY:

Vital Manchester City was the fastest growing Independent City Website last season and has a membership now standing at over 1900 strong. We're targeting 2000 members by the turn of the year. There's more to come - Get on board and join the debates in the VMC Forums as City aim to consolidate their place in the top four.

Join 2 million fans in the world's biggest betting community with a free £25 bet!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.