"Bench beckons for flickering City star Robinho"

Ian Ladyman writes: Robinho is facing a battle to keep his Manchester City place at Arsenal on Saturday week.

The Brazilian is struggling for form and confidence and has been particularly disappointing away from home in recent weeks.

City manager Mark Hughes would have already left out Robinho (pictured) if he had options available, but now he has the opportunity to give the 24-year-old a rest after welcoming back key players to first-team training.

With Craig Bellamy fit again after knee trouble, Stephen Ireland on his way to overcoming an ankle knock he suffered in the UEFA Cup last week and Bulgarian Martin Petrov stepping up his own fitness work, Hughes will have a greater array of attacking options next week.

Forwards Benjani and Daniel Sturridge were also due to play for the reserves against Blackburn last night, while even troubled 21-year-old midfielder Michael Johnson is finally back in the picture.

Johnson has not played for City since the Carling Cup defeat at Brighton in September but has recently taken great steps towards overcoming an abdominal problem and is due to feature in a practice match behind closed doors next week.

Hughes is wary of appearing to make Robinho a scapegoat for City's poor away form, but a woeful penalty miss in the home win over Sunderland on Sunday, coupled with his dreadful work-rate away from the City of Manchester Stadium, certainly makes him a strong candidate for an afternoon on the bench in north London.

Daily Star

SAMBA footie star Robinho loves playing at gnome. Manchester City's Brazilian hotshot has turned into a keen gardener to relax after matches and training. Robinho, 25, loves strolling round garden centres with his wife Vivian, 24, and spotted four ceramic and stone-made gnomes for £100.

Daily Mail

FORMER Manchester City player Garry Flitcroft has taken the first steps in management at struggling Unibond Premier club Leigh Genesis. Flitcroft, 36, will be assisted by former City team-mate Mike Quigley.