Brazil look to be on collision course with Manchester City over Robinho, and insist he could play against England.
City striker could play against club's wishes
Brazil look to be on collision course with Manchester City over Robinho, and insist he could play against England.
The forward has been sidelined since September when he picked up an ankle injury whilst playing for his country against Argentina.
Robinho has now left Manchester City's training camp in Abu Dhabi - where they played UAE on Thursday - and has linked up with his country, who are just a short flight away in Qatar.
Brazil are playing England in Doha, and have called on Robinho, and Fifa regulations mean City are obliged to let him report.
City had hoped once Robinho had been seen by Brazil's medical staff, he would be sent back.
However, Brazil insist they will decide on Robinho - no matter what manager Mark Hughes thinks.
Hughes made it clear that he did not want Robinho even to be considered for the friendly with England on Saturday or the following clash with Oman next week.
But Brazil have now stated they will check on him before making a decision, and have seemingly suggested he could play in the friendlies.
"Robinho will train doing the same exercises as the other players but on the side. Whether he'll play this game or next week we are taking day by day," Brazilian spokesman Rodrigo Paiva said.
"We know City want him with them but the situation is that we have only three games before the World Cup so we need Robinho here.
"This is a chance for the coach to talk to the players, to create the ambience, to discuss preparations for next summer. We don't need permission from City to play him but we will keep talking to them."
