El Apache showed he has shaken off his nagging heel problems with an all-action performance as the Blues’ lone raider at Barcelona until being relieved by Craig Bellamy after an hour.
It was a big step up from the Argentine’s 25-minute cameo at Blackburn on Saturday, and Mark Hughes has given his summer signing the all-clear to lead Wolves a merry dance.
The City boss said: “The aim was to give him an hour of playing time and he’s come through with flying colours. He did really well at the Nou Camp and he’s now ready - he can play the 90. He’s fine and he feels strong - he’s available for all our games now.”
Hughes is equally confident that big-name absentees from the friendly victory in the Nou Camp will be fit and rested to line up again at a packed City of Manchester Stadium.
Robinho was denied his opportunity to shine on Europe’s greatest stage when an old ankle injury flared up “to give him a bit of pain”, but Hughes added: “He’ll be OK for the weekend.”
Striker Emmanuel Adebayor, one of City’s heroes at Blackburn, was ruled out by a sore groin but again Hughes expects him to play, as will Gareth Barry, taken off 20 minutes early at Barca.
Hughes said: “He’s struggled a bit with a calf for a few weeks, so we were protecting him.”
City’s striking complement is still not fully mobilised, but summer capture Roque Santa Cruz, recovering from knee surgery in the Spring, is on course to make a September debut.
Hughes said: “Rocky went to see the specialist who operated on him on Monday. It was good news, and we’re very happy with his progress.
He still has two or three weeks to get to the level of fitness that will allow him to play. But the actual injury is progressing well, so we’re confident he will be back in three weeks.
Mark Hughes
