ROBINHO has put the rumours and injury fears behind him and is ready to give City's season a much-needed boost.

The Brazilian ace is set to return for the Blues against Hull tomorrow, and that could not have come at a better time as City home in on a top-four finish.

Sources in Spain have indicated Barcelona have abandoned any bid to sign Britain's most expensive imported player in next month's transfer window - even on loan.

Robinho has been out of action since suffering a stress fracture of his ankle playing for Brazil in early September, an injury which was complicated by an impingement.

But City won the three games in which he played at the start of the season, without conceding, and he is expected to be named as a substitute tomorrow. The Blues need to win to avoid a club record of seven successive draws.

Four of those draws have been away from home, but the Blues are intent on avoiding a third successive home stalemate after disappointing results against Burnley and Fulham.

First-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki says the players are under no illusions about the importance of a win tomorrow.

"Three points are vital because we have to keep this gap as tight as possible," he said.

"Our neighbours down the road want to keep the gap closed between them and Chelsea, and we want to keep it closed between us and them.

"We need to go on a run of winning games, we are expected to do that now."