Jo blow for city

MANCHESTER City have been dealt a blow with new Brazilian signing Jo to miss the start of the Premier League season.

The striker, City’s club record buy, has been selected to play for Brazil in the Beijing Olympic Games which means he won’t be available until the last week of August.

Manchester United midfield player Anderson and Liverpool’s Lucas have also been selected along with Ronaldinho, another City target, and Robinho.

AC Milan have refused to allow Kaka to play in the Olympics, but in the case of Jo, Anderson and Lucas the clubs have no power of veto as it is an under-23 tournament.

Kaka, Ronaldinho and Robinho’s participation is optional as they are over-age players.

Striker Emile Mpenza, recently freed by City, has been offered a trial by Hull City who have already signed Brazilian Geovanni after his release by the Eastlands club.