Heartbreak For Injured Bojinov

Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov has been cursed with yet another horrific injury that will rule him out for the next six months. The Bulgarian international has only just recovered from damaging his knee ligaments 12 months ago and he was set to start the first match on the Premiership's opening round of matches.

Bojinov had to be carried off the pitch after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the pre-match warm-up as injury struck again for the unfortunate striker. The Premiership campaign will be in full-swing by the time Bojinov recovers from the injury and there are fresh doubts about whether he will figure at all this season. The most positive outlook is that he will be able to start full training in February, but as we saw with his previous injury complications can arise that delay his return date. Welsh striker Ched Evans took his place in Manchester City's starting lineup but the team went down to rivals Aston Villa in a 4-2 defeat.

Only a matter of days ago, Bojinov declared his intent to show the Manchester City fans what they were missing last season. "It will also be very special for me to return to the City of Manchester Stadium and play in front of the supporters." Frustratingly, it will have to wait another six months, or even more disappointingly the start of the 2009/2010 season.

The injury leaves manager Mark Hughes with a crisis in attacking options as Manchester City are missing five first-team strikers despite the season only one game old. Darius Vassell and Benjani are both injured for considerable time yet, while Jo is still unavailable through international duty at the Olympics for Brazil and thus leaving inexperienced youngsters Ched Evans, Daniel Sturridge and Felipe Caicedo to fight for places. Hughes must now decide whether to dive into the transfer market for another forward and renew interest in Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz after an initial bid of £12 million was swiftly rejected. Few would argue that it is another forward they need though, as the void left gaping on the right of midfield remains unfilled and will continue to be City's own Achilles.