Mark Hughes is relying on Brazilian record signing Jo to galvanize Manchester City’s poor start to the season.

The new boss started the campaign with a heavy 4-2 loss to Aston Villa last Sunday. 

And owner Thaksin Shinawatra's political fiasco continues as he  faces corruption charges in Thailand which could see him fail the Premier League's fit and proper person's act.

Despite two severe blows, Hughes has been boosted by the imminent return of hitman Jo after Brazil were knocked out of the Olympics.

The striker's arrival could not have come at a better time with City trailing 1-0 on aggregate to FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Cup.

Hughes said: He added: "We have lost Jo for quite some time now and he has not had a great deal of football recently either, which is a concern for us.

"We send them away with our best wishes, you do hope that while they are away that they will get good game-time under his belt.

"But he has not had a great deal of football in the time he has been away, so hopefully he can hit the ground running.

"He has been in competitive games but going in for 10 to 15 minutes a time is not the ideal preparation for Premier League games, so it might take a little bit of time to get up to speed.

"But needs must and I think he will be involved with us very, very quickly.

"We hope that he will settle very quickly, he has got the ability to and he will give us a presence up front which we lacked last weekend.

"He's exceptional in the air and he will give us a bit extra."