Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says he's delighted to have Robinho available for today's clash with Hull City.

The £32.5million striker has not made a Premier League appearance for the Blues since mid-August, the vast majority of that absence created by a stress fracture of an ankle that he suffered on World Cup duty for Brazil in Argentina.

That three-month void has been filled by endless speculation about the 26-year-old's future, most of which has suggested he will depart Eastlands for Barcelona, if not during the January transfer window, then at the end of the season.

"Robinho is an outstanding player," said Hughes. "If anyone is out for a long period sometimes you can forget how accomplished they are.

"Having worked with him this week and seen him back in the group, we can see the qualities that he can bring to the side.

"We are delighted that he is back and fit and well because he will have a real influence for us this year I am sure."

More than once over the last few weeks, Hughes has insisted Robinho is going nowhere, despite on-going interest from the European Cup winners.

It is a stance that is not going to change at any point soon, although as one of the game's most notable attractions, Hughes accepts Robinho will always be the subject of intense debate.

"Robinho is a guy that generates comment and since he has been out with his injury the news has clearly not been about what he is doing on the pitch," said the City chief.

"Instead it is about what might happen and comments about his future, more often than not from people without any valid insight."