Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is keen to see how his players handle the absence of talisman Robinho in tonight's UEFA Cup tie with Schalke.

City's manager said: "Robinho has a sprain which is a bit of a concern but we're hopeful for the weekend. 'We have to know how to deal with the opposition without him because there will be occasions during the season when maybe we need to take him out of the fray.

"He has been excellent for us. He's played every game and maybe there will be occasions when we will need to look after him in terms of giving him a rest."

Robinho has scored nine goals in his 14 appearances, missing out only on the Carling Cup defeat at Brighton. The rest of City's strikers, including fellow Brazilian Jo who is set to play tonight, have just eight between them.