Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson has turned to yoga in an attempt to overcome his recent pelvic problems.

The highly-rated 20-year-old, who signed a new five-year deal at Eastlands in September, has managed just 36 league starts in the two years since his debut.

City manager Mark Hughes is ready to explore alternative treatments as he looks to get Johnson back to full fitness.

Hughes said: "He is still having problems with pain and has not been training with the main group. We are trying to look at all avenues in an effort to settle the problem down.

"For quite some time now, he has had pain and irritation from that area which at times has really hampered him - and on other occasions he has been able to manage.

"Everything is geared to getting Michael fit and well and being able to play and managing the level of pain that he is having at the moment.

"We hope the breaks in the season for internationals will allow us to take him out of the firing line somewhat."