I haven’t got a rift with Hughes, says Robinho

Robinho, who denies having a rift with the boss, is facing possible disciplinary action after leaving City's training camp in Tenerife without permission.

He returned home to Santos, claiming he had to deal with a family matter.

Hughes has spoken to the former Real Madrid forward by telephone and expects to see him at the weekend.

City's next match is against Newcastle on Wednesday.

"He will be back at the weekend and ready to train," said Hughes.

"Once Robby is back, decisions will be made."
Robinho has already apologised to Hughes but insists he doesn't have any problems with the manager despite the dispute.

"I have a good relationship with Mark Hughes and respect his decisions," Robinho stated on his official website. "He is the boss!"

Robinho, who arrived from Real on 1 September for a British record fee of £32.5million, says he has settled well in England.

"I like living in Manchester and I have made many friends at the club and at the city, since I arrived last year," he said. "I admire the fans and I am looking forward to helping our team move to the next level."

But Chelsea are growing in confidence that they will sign Robinho — though they are expected to have to wait until the end of the season to secure the Brazilian.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari was close to signing the 25-year-old last summer only for City to gazump Chelsea on the final day of the transfer window.

But the Blues are looking to take advantage of Robinho's increasing unhappiness at Eastlands and are prepared to offer some players as part of the deal.

It has been reported today that an agreement may even be reached this month, with City keen on Didier Drogba but it is unlikely Scolari will sanction the striker's departure, even though he has been out of favour.

Robinho has scored 12 goals this season, nine more than Drogba, but Scolari feels the Ivory Coast international can still play a big part in their challenge for major honours before allowing him to go in the close season.

He is expected to be recalled to the first team for the FA Cup fourth-found tie against Ipswich on Saturday having done extra work in training since being left out of the last two games.

Drogba said: "I'm in a hurry to return to my best level and be a first-team regular again. I know what I am capable of doing."

The other problem regarding a move for Robinho is a FIFA rule which states no footballer can play for three teams in a season and he played for Real in the Spanish Super Cup before going to City.

City, on the other hand, are keen on signing more Chelsea players, having already bought Wayne Bridge for £12m this month and are eyeing moves for Alex, Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou.

Hughes is also thought to be interested in signing defender Branislav Ivanovic but Chelsea are believed to have rejected a £15m bid for the Serbian from AC Milan.