Robinho to face Magpies

MANCHESTER City star Robinho expects to face Newcastle at Eastlands next week.

City are not in action until January 28 due to their FA Cup demise, by which time the £32.5million British record signing will have had a chance to offer Mark Hughes and executive chairman Garry Cook an explanation for his departure from City's warm-weather training camp in Tenerife.

Robinho has cited 'a family matter' and claimed he informed the Blues of his exit plans. However, Cook feels a breach of club discipline has occurred, for which Robinho can expect to receive a fine.