Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has emerged as a major doubt for the derby match against his old club Manchester United on 20 September.

Tevez suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Argentina and will be absent for the game against Arsenal this Saturday.

“The Argentine medical people said it would be two or three weeks,” said City boss Mark Hughes.

“We think it might be less than that but he is a doubt for the derby.”

Tevez became a cult hero at Old Trafford but left in acrimonious circumstances after being unhappy at his treatment by the club’s hierarchy.

He joined on loan in August 2007 and became increasingly unsettled the longer United failed to offer him a permanent deal.

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United did eventually offer Tevez a five-year contract over the summer but by then it was too late and Tevez joined City.

“We will do everything in our power to get him fit because, for obvious reasons, he would love to play in that match,” added Hughes.

Hughes also has injury concerns over Robinho and will have to wait on scan on the Brazilian’s ankle to discover the extent of the damage.

“He had a little bit of swelling on the ankle,” said the City boss.

“We do not think there is a significant injury there but it is best to check to make sure there is no stress fracture.

“Once we get the results we can decide whether he plays on Saturday or not.”