Record signing Robinho will travel to Liverpool with Manchester City on Saturday, even if the £32.5million striker is unlikely to play.

The subject of so much media talk last week, when he left City's training camp in Abu Dhabi and did not return, preferring instead to remain with his national side ahead of their victory against England, Robinho has not featured in a competitive game since injuring his ankle on international duty against Argentina in September.

However, City boss Mark Hughes will take the South American to Merseyside following some positive performances in training this week, although the chances are he will not play.

"He is back training with the group, which is pleasing from everyone's point of view," said Hughes.

"He is travelling with us and we will make a decision.

"It could be a bit early for him to be involved, but certainly he will be in the frame for next week's game against Hull."

City will also be without winger Martin Petrov, who has a knee injury, while Sylvinho is out with a calf injury

Man City (from): Given, Taylor, Richards, Zabaleta, Toure, Lescott, Onuoha, Bridge, Garrido, Wright-Phillips, De Jong, Kompany, Johnson, Ireland, Barry, Robinho, Bellamy, Adebayor, Tevez, Santa Cruz, Benjani.

Kick-off is 12.45pm.