Hughes admires Tevez's City start but doubts his fitness for opener

Simon Stone
Monday 10 August 2009 00:00 BST
Comments
Tevez has not been able to train properly since his move
Tevez has not been able to train properly since his move (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Carlos Tevez will have a week's intensive training before Mark Hughes decides whether to pitch Manchester City's new signing into the Barclays Premier League battle at Blackburn.

With Argentina coach Diego Maradona heeding Hughes' plea to leave Tevez out of his country's friendly with Russia in Moscow, City have the chance to build up his fitness after a 25-minute outing against Celtic on Saturday.

Hughes is doubtful about Tevez's chances of starting at Ewood Park given it was his first appearance of the entire pre-season campaign as he struggled to overcome a heel problem. However, recognising what a positive impact the 25-year-old had on the City supporters on Saturday, as well as his contribution to a 2-1 win, the Blues chief is eager to give Tevez every opportunity.

"I would like to think Carlos will play a part on Saturday," said Hughes. "He has been a bit frustrated because he has not been able to put any weight on the heel. But he looked really sharp when he came on.

"The reaction from the crowd was fantastic. He's going to do great things for us. He gives the team a trigger and a focus."

Hughes will also need to check on the hip problem that forced Kolo Touré out after just 18 minutes yesterday, but he confident Touré will play against Sam Allardyce's men.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in