The popular Argentinean reached five bookings for the season at Craven Cottage last Sunday on what was otherwise one of his best days since joining City in 2008.
He grabbed only his second goal for the club with a superb long-range strike and saw a similar effort cleverly touched in by Carlos Tevez, but a harsh yellow card in the second half means he will not be available at the Britannia Stadium.
Reflecting on Sunday’s win, Pablo said: “It was a great game but it had a bit of a sad finish for me! It was a special day for me with my second goal for City, and I don’t get many opportunities to score.
I was just pleased for the team, especially because after the two draws we had a difficult week and had a lot of criticism.
“We showed that we are strong as a team and as a group, and now we’re only three points off the top of the league.
“We have a good chance against Stoke, but I’m suspended!” he laughs. “I’m not sure about that yellow card on Sunday, but that’s football and we just have to accept the referee’s decisions. I’m very disappointed, I always want to play and it’s only one game but we have plenty of players who can come in for me.
“Our squad has some fantastic players and in every position we have two or maybe three players with great quality. It’s important to have that, and I just hope we can get another good win on Saturday to stay positive and stay near the top.”
Perhaps the ultimate team-man, Pablo has willingly played in a number of different positions this season, as well as patiently biding his time on the bench when left out of the side. The 25-year-old is happy with his lot and ready to step back in wherever he is told once his suspension is over.
“I’m always ready to play,” he adds, “and I’m happy to play in all different positions if the Manager decides. Right back is my natural position, and I feel more comfortable there but if I have to play at left-back or in the middle I don’t have a problem – I’ll always give my best.”
