Elano boost for City

Brazilian set to return

Last updated: 6th March 2008

man city sven goran eriksson man utd

Eriksson: Boosted by Elano's return

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has declared Elano fit to face Reading this weekend.

The Brazilian ace had been doubtful for the trip to Madejski Stadium after picking up a knee injury in last weekend's draw with Wigan.

Elano took part in training on Thursday and Eriksson is happy to have the skilful midfielder available.

"We have Petrov suspended, Micah Richards out, Onuoha out and Bojinov out of course, but the rest looks very good," Eriksson told Sky Sports News.

"Elano is fit he did everything todays and he was out training [today] so he is okay.

"It is good to have him back of course."

Richards

Eriksson is also confident Micah Richards will return to action before the end of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Yes he will be back before the end of the season, absolutely," added Eriksson. The surgeon who did the operation said it will be six weeks and we think he will be ready in six weeks."

Eriksson is confident his side can get back on track after drawing two blanks in their last two games against Everton and Wigan.

"You are always concerned when you don't win football games it is a little bit frustarting," noted Eriksson. "I think we did okay against Everton but lost we had a lot of the ball but could not create too many chances.

"It was the same against Wigan we created chances against Wigan and we did not take them. Of course it is very frustrating and we try very hard out there [in training] to work on it so hopefully it will be better on Saturday."

Eriksson has challenged his players to try and qualify for Europe by taking as many points as possible from their last ten games.

"There is 30 points to play for and we have the chance to play in Europe next season," said Eriksson. "I have told the players they have to do everything to try and be in Europe and that should be a big target for us.

"It is quite possible, but it depends on us as we have to start to take points."