London, Nov 13 Brazil manager Dunga has said that he does not require permission from Manchester City to play winger Robinho in a friendly against England on Saturday, despite his ankle injury.

The 32-million dollar star was injured while playing for his country, which has kept him out for a major part of the Premier League with City.

"We don't need permission from City to play him, but we will keep talking to them. We need him with us. Whether he'll play this game or next week, we are taking day-by-day. He'll be assessed again tomorrow," The Sun quoted Rodrigo Paiva, the Samba spokesman, as saying.

"We know City want him with them, but we have only three games before the World Cup, so we need Robinho here," he added.

Dunga further said that Robinho has been practicing regularly with the national side.

"This is a chance for the coach to talk to the players, to create the ambience, to discuss preparations for next summer," Dunga said.

"Robi trained doing the same exercises as the others, but on the side," he added.

City manager Mark Hughes had allowed Robinho to leave City's mid-season trip to Abu Dhabi and fly to nearby Qatar out of courtesy to the Brazilian FA. He was also expecting the striker to be passed unfit by doctors. (ANI)