City ensure Robinho return

City ensure Robinho return

Manchester City have pulled out all the stops to ensure their South American contingent are back in time to face Chelsea on Saturday.

The club's new owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, have made their private jet available to fly Brazil trio Robinho, Jo and Elano plus Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta back to the UK.

Zabaleta was part of the Argentina side that drew 1-1 in the Peruvian capital Lima on Wednesday, while the three other South Americans were in the Brazil side that was held to a goalless stalemate by Bolivia in Rio de Janeiro.

British transfer record signing Robinho is expected to make his debut in Saturday evening's clash with the club he was set to join on deadline day before a dramatic late twist.

"We couldn't have got the lads back in time on scheduled flights so we've had to make other arrangements," said manager Mark Hughes.

"I'll make a judgement on what I see, but it's fair to say that there will be a reasonable chance Robinho will be involved.

"The great thing about him is he offers us options as to where he can play and that kind of flexibility is something I'm always looking for in players.

"He can play wide on the left, behind a striker or alongside a target man and that will be invaluable.

"He is the sort of player who can affect the game whenever he is on the pitch."