Hughes: We must learn to cope without Adebayor

MARK HUGHES insists Emmanuel Adebayor’s absence for Manchester City against West Ham tonight will provide a gauge for their fortunes when the striker leaves for the African Cup of Nations in January.

Adebayor is set to complete the final match of a three-game suspension picked up for his stamp on Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

If Togo demand Adebayor’s release as soon as Fifa statutes allow and then go on to be successful in the competition, which will be played in Angola, the 25-year-old could be missing for an entire month.