City's Petrov out for four months

Manchester City FC manager Mark Hughes has revealed that Martin Petrov could be out until March as the Bulgarian winger needs surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

'Frustration'
The 29-year-old sustained the knee injury during Bulgaria's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Georgia last month, which ended 0-0. "Martin is going to see a surgeon and he will probably stay and have an operation," Hughes said. "If that is the case he will probably be out for three to four months. That would be a blow for us as he gives us more options. Unfortunately it is a frustration for us as it happened on international duty. That makes it a bit more difficult to take." There was some good news for the Welshman today, though, as midfield player Michael Johnson is back in training after overcoming a groin injury. The English club begin their UEFA Cup Group A campaign with a home match against FC Twente on Thursday.