Sidelined: Kompany limped off during City’s 4-0 win over Newcastle
Kompany, along with Micah Richards, has been ruled out of the game by Pellegrini but City may be boosted by the return of Serbian defender Matija Nastasic, who has been training with the team this week, but remains short of match sharpness.
Kompany suffered a hamstring injury against Newcastle on Monday night and Pellegrini said: ‘I prefer that the doctor has the last word on this but it looks like he will be out for at least one month. He is going to see the doctor today. We will know today or tomorrow what will happen to him.’
‘With Richards, I I think maybe next week he will be without any problems but I prefer again that the doctor has the last word on this.
‘Nastasic is working normally with the squad and we will see how he is.’
Feeling fit: Nastasic could return after suffering an injury during the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong in July
If Nastasic fails to prove his fitness ahead of the game in Wales on Sunday, Pellegrini could have little option but to partner defensive midfielder Javi Garcia in central defence alongside Lescott.
With City’s defensive options thin on the ground, Pellegrini is keen to bolster his options before the end of the transfer window, with Real Madrid’s Pepe and Atletico Madrid’s Martin Demichelis the leading targets.
On the list: Atletico Madrid’s Demichelis (right) is a City target
Pellegrini explained: ‘It doesn’t only depend on Kompany’s fitness. It will be until the end of the transfer window. We will see what we can do to try and improve. We will see what happens until September 2.’
Pellegrini, who this week allowed Scott Sinclair join West Brom on loan with a view to a permanent deal, said that the move was in the best interests of the English winger, and also refused to rule out the departure of Gareth Barry, who has been linked with a loan move to Everton.
Preparation: City manager Pellegrini watches his team train ahead of the away match to Cardiff on Sunday
‘Barry is a very important player,’ said the City boss ‘And he must decide what is best for him.’
The City boss, who did not comment when asked whether Joleon Lescott would be offered a contract extension at the club, goes into Sunday’s game on the back of a thumping 4-0 demolition of Newcastle United on Monday evening, and Pellegrini admits he was impressed by his team’s performance – and particularly by his new signings Jesus Navas and Fernandinho.
Uncertain future: Pellegrini refused to rule out a departure for Gareth Barry (right)
‘We played a very good game. This is the way we must play, we scored four goals and recorded a clean sheet. We played very aggressively. It is only one game but a very good start. Jesus Navas and Fernandinho played a very good game. All of them will be very important.
‘Cardiff will be very difficult. Cardiff are new in the PL but they have a very good team. It is their first home game and their will be a good atmosphere.’
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