CITY are set to unleash Robinho on struggling Hull this weekend.

And the man who has had the closest view of the Brazilian star's fight for fitness believes he is ready to begin weaving his magic once again.

First team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki has supervised the full training sessions this week in which Robinho - who hasn't played for the Blues since August 27 - has been busy proving he is ready to rumble.

City had hoped he might squeeze on to the bench at Anfield at the weekend, but it was decided not to risk him, and he is likely to be among the substitutes against a team which has picked up just one point in six away games this season.

Niedzwiecki believes that the spell away with the Brazil national squad - which looked like sparking a club v country row at one point - may have actually benefited the player.

Manager Mark Hughes believes that taking a break among his countrymen has done him good, and the decision not to play him in friendlies against England and Oman had allowed him valuable time for treatment and training.

Now Niedzwiecki reckons City could reap the benefit.

"Robi is looking really good. We were pleased, after all the speculation when he went with Brazil, that he didn't play for them, because he wasn't ready," he said.

"He had good training and good treatment whilst with them and has come back to us looking sharper by the day.

"Things are looking very promising for him in terms of the weekend, and he should be up for selection."

It is good news all the way for the Blues, with Kolo Toure also expected back in training on Thursday after intensive treatment on a back problem. He was substituted at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Saturday, but should be fit.

Martin Petrov is also due back in full training on Monday while Vincent Kompany and Michael Johnson are in contention for places on the subs' bench after both played 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday night.