City's £32.5million record signing missed the FA Cup debacle against Nottingham Forest on January 3 with an ankle problem, and Hughes was still weighing up whether to risk Robinho at Fratton Park last week when the scheduled match at Portsmouth was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

But the extra rest means City's popular 12-goal striker should be fit to face Wigan on Saturday as Hughes' men look to register only their second league win in two months.

"'Robbie' would have been close to playing last weekend and would definitely have played some part," Hughes told www.mcfc.co.uk.

"He trained yesterday and will train for the rest of the week."

Less certain are the chances of Shaun Wright-Phillips being fit.

Although the England winger has done well to even be in contention after limping out of the Forest defeat with a hamstring injury, Hughes wonders if the Wigan fixture may come a bit too soon for the 27-year-old.

With are due another weekend off once their next match is out of the way, because of their FA Cup exit, the City boss may be better holding Wright-Phillips back.

"Shaun was out with the fitness guys yesterday and did a session but is not at full tilt yet," said Hughes.

"We will build him up towards the weekend. It is still quite early for a hamstring injury, but we will give him every chance."

Definitely out is veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who suffered a toe injury in training yesterday and is set to be sidelined for at least three months.

Hughes is already without long-term injury victims Michael Johnson and Martin Petrov and has Stephen Ireland suspended this weekend, which only heightens the weaknesses in his squad.

It may force the Welshman to once again approach West Ham about Scott Parker, although the feeling has been City stood more chance of agreeing a deal for Craig Bellamy.

So far, despite the vast resources at their disposal, City been able to complete only the signing of Wayne Bridge - whose £10million arrival from Chelsea was confirmed 11 days ago.

There is, however, some optimism that a Blackburn board meeting later today may give a green light to the Blues' approach for Roque Santa Cruz.

The South American has made little secret of his desire to link up with Hughes again - and with Rovers boss Sam Allardyce needing funds to strengthen a squad that has slipped into the bottom three, the transfer makes sense.

City are determined not to be held to ransom. But given the circumstances, they may be advised to make an offer that would "blow us out of the water" - as Allardyce suggested.