The Manchester City manager, Mark Hughes, has expressed fears striker Benjani Mwaruwari could be out for a considerable period with a hamstring injury. Benjani, 30, was replaced by the Brazil striker Jo at half-time during Saturday's 1–0 home defeat by Everton.

Hughes told mcfc.co.uk: "We're a little bit light on numbers at the moment. A number of the guys are carrying injuries, so that will have an impact, and that's difficult when you've got games coming up thick and fast; you have to have a fit and able squad. We've lost Benjani again at the weekend with a hamstring and he'll probably be out for a number of weeks."