Robinho backed to spark Manchester City revival

Manchester City believe the long-awaited return of Robinho this weekend can inspire them to a first Premier League win in two months.

Robinho has been out of action since August 27 with a stress fracture but will feature in City's home game against Hull on Saturday at Eastlands.

City have not won in the Premier League since beating West Ham on September 28 and have endured a frustrating run of six successive draws.

But City first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki, who has overseen Robinho's return to full fitness, said the Brazil star is itching to make up for his enforced absence.

And Niedzwiecki said Robinho's spell away with the Brazil national squad - which almost sparked a club versus country row - was the perfect tonic for the £32million star.

"Robi is looking really good," said Niedzwiecki. "We're pleased, after all the speculation when he went with Brazil, that he didn't play for them because he wasn't ready.

"He had good training and good treatment whilst with them and has come back to us looking sharper by the day.

"Things are looking very promising for him in terms of the weekend and he should be up for selection."  

Although speculation still surrounds Robinho, with Barcelona determined to sign him, City have insisted there is no way they will allow the 25-year-old to leave in January's transfer window.

City are also expected to welcome back captain Kolo Toure, who will resume full training today after missing the second-half of last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Liverpool.

Martin Petrov is likely to miss the Hull game, while Vincent Kompany and Michael Johnson are in contention for places after both played 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday.