Manchester City manager Mark Hughes expects new signing Roque Santa Cruz to be out until the end of August.
The 27-year-old Paraguayan striker, who joined from Blackburn for £17million in the summer, continues to recover from knee surgery.
“We knew Roque would have a period of rehabilitation when we signed him, but we have good options up front,” Hughes told the club’s official website.
“If we can, we want to give him the time he really needs, rather than getting him back early and having him at 70%.
“Rather than bring him back too soon I would rather give him the time that he needs. We are hoping by the end of the month he will be available.”
Santa Cruz hit 23 goals for Blackburn in 57 appearances during his two-year stay at Ewood Park.
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