Santa Cruz eyes return in time for United clash

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is on course to make his debut for his new club in next month’s derby against arch-rivals Manchester United.

Santa Cruz joined City in a 17 million pounds (24 million euros) transfer from Blackburn during the close-season, but the Paraguay star has been unable to play after undergoing knee surgery in April.

The 27-year-old has been making good progress recently however and City boss Mark Hughes expects the former Bayern Munich player to be back in time for his team’s trip to Old Trafford on September 20.

“We are talking about two or three weeks,” Hughes told City’s website.

“I don’t like to put games as a target because it is difficult to predict but the specialist is really pleased with his progress.

“I imagine he will be available around the time of the United game, or the West Ham match immediately afterwards.”