Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has been ruled out for three weeks with a thigh problem.

The England Under-21 star suffered the injury in a reserve-team outing against Wigan last week and manager Mark Hughes confirmed the prognosis that will see Onuoha ruled out until the middle of next month.

"Unfortunately Nedum is injured at the moment," said Hughes.

"He pulled a thigh during the reserves game last week. He played around 55 minutes but felt a bit of discomfort.

"There is a tear in there and he will be out for three or four weeks."

Despite signing a new contract in the summer, Onuoha has struggled to make an impression on the first-team scene this season and has been pushed down the central defensive pecking order following the £22million arrival of Joleon Lescott from Everton.

Meanwhile, Hughes confirmed Roque Santa Cruz should be in his squad for next Monday's televised encounter with West Ham.

The City chief paid Blackburn £17million for the Paraguayan striker, who proved to be such a reliable figure under Hughes at Ewood Park.

However, a summer knee operation has put his debut on hold.

Santa Cruz is nearing full fitness though and Hughes expects the South American to be involved against the Hammers.

"Roque won't be featuring against Fulham, but the likelihood is that he will play a part in the next game if we can get him involved," said Hughes.