Hughes hit by Elano setback

Eastlands boss disappointed with Euro stalemate, but backs Jo

Last updated: 4th December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hughes hit by Elano setback

Hughes: Already in the last 32

European games are a different test and a different problem we have to solve.

Man City boss Mark Hughes
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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has admitted his European disappointment on a night when Elano suffered an injury which could rule the midfielder out for at least two weeks.

Hughes saw his side, who had already qualified for the knockout stages, hang on for a point in their Uefa Cup Group A stalemate with Paris Saint-Germain at Eastlands.

City's French opponents enjoyed the better of the closing stages and Hughes - who did not risk Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Micah Richards - was fortunate to see his men escape with a draw.

And on a night to forget, Hughes also suffered an injury setback after Elano was substituted early in the second half having sustained a groin problem when innocuously stretching for possession.

Compromise

"We will check him out. With those kind of strains it is a minimum of two weeks, possibly longer," Hughes said of the Brazilian playmaker, who recently voiced his disappointment at a lack of first-team opportunities.

"But we hope he has not compromised himself too much with the injury. It is a blow to us because obviously we are a little bit light in midfield. We cannot afford to lose too many bodies there."

City did maintain their unbeaten record in the group stages but Hughes was eager for victory.

He added: "We had half chances to get on the scoresheet but it was a frustrating night.

Difficult

"We have performed better in other games. However this is a new experience for us. European games are a different test and a different problem we have to solve."

Brazilian striker Jo was handed a rare start but the £18-million man failed to impress.

"It was a little bit difficult for him (Jo) along with many others. There was not much space for him to operate because of the way PSG set up their side," Hughes continued.

"He stuck at it. He is a young player and he needs more experience playing with the team, which he will get."