Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is ready to drop star man Robinho over his dismal away form.

The Guardian says City have not won on their travels in the Premier League since their second away game of the season at Sunderland and, according to informed sources, ­Robinho's poor form is regarded as a significant factor. Hughes is so disappointed, it has emerged, he is now giving consideration to dropping Robinho when Martin Petrov is fit again after five months out with a knee injury.

Petrov has been cleared to step up his training after seeing a specialist, with a view to being available to challenge for Robinho's place on the left side of attack in the next two or three weeks.