• FA Cup

Zabaleta confident of swift return after knock

ESPN staff
January 21, 2013
Pablo Zabaleta is confident he will be fit for this weekend's FA Cup clash at Stoke © PA Photos
Enlarge

This season, the FA Cup is live on ESPN all the way to the final at Wembley. Click for details on how to subscribe

Manchester City have been handed a boost with the news that Pablo Zabaleta should be fit to play in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Stoke after a scan revealed his foot injury is not a major problem.

The Argentina international limped off in the Premier League champions' 2-0 win over Fulham following a challenge by Brede Hangeland.

But while the right-back was in pain, he is optimistic he will be able to play in the rematch of the 2011 FA Cup final.

He told City's official website: "Thankfully, the scan showed there was no serious damage. I should be fine for Saturday but it will be a couple of days before it is 100% again.

"I did some bike work on Monday morning and on Tuesday I will try some running so I'm sure I will be available for the game against Stoke."

With City's two other specialist right-backs, Micah Richards and Maicon, both out, the in-form Zabaleta has been an automatic choice for manager Roberto Mancini and James Milner had to drop into defence when he was substituted against Fulham.

Zabaleta added: "I took a kick on the top of my foot which caused me a lot of pain afterwards and that's the reason it was better that I came off. It looks better, but there is a little discomfort when I walk or run so it is a bit sore and needs to settle down a little."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices