Petrov out of Tigers clash

City winger also a doubt for Carling Cup fixture

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 24th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Petrov out of Tigers clash

Petrov: Ruled himself out of weekend fixture

I am feeling better but I don't think I'll make it this week

Martin Petrov
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Martin Petrov has ruled himself out of Manchester City's weekend Premier League clash against Hull City.

The Eastlands winger is on the mend following a knee injury sustained on international duty for Bulgaria last week and Petrov's absence came as a blow to the Blues following the 30-year-old's stunning form in October.

After finding himself on the City fringes at the start of the campaign, Petrov was given a run in Mark Hughes' first team thanks to Robinho's ankle injury and Emmanuel Adebayor's suspension.

And the former Atletico Madrid performer repaid his manager's faith with several top-drawer displays, including goals against West Ham and Wigan, which has since earned him the City player of the month award.

But on receiving the accolade, the cultured left midfielder is pessimistic about his chances of overcoming his current ailment in time for the weekend's home fixture against the Tigers in the league.

Out

"I am feeling better but I don't think I'll make it this week," he said on the club's official website."I am hoping that I can start training again at the start of next week."

The news means a place on the bench for next Wednesday's Carling Cup tie against Arsenal is a severe doubt for Petrov and City, who have targeted the domestic trophy as one of their prime targets this season.

Hughes' focus is also targeting a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League football next year, and the Eastlands boss will be keen to end a run of six successive draws when lowly Hull come to visit.

City may be without the tricky Petrov, but they could be boosted by the return of record signing Robinho, who is set to be on the bench after an absence with a stress fracture of his ankle that stretches back three months.