Manuel Pellegrini has admitted Vincent Kompany may not return until the “last part of the season” due to his latest calf injury.
The Manchester City captain suffered the problem after coming on as a second-half substitute against Sunderland on Boxing Day, Kompany subsequently having to be replaced himself.
This was the 13th separate calf injury the Belgium defender has suffered since he joined the club in August 2008. City’s medical department are continuing to try and find a long-term solution that will solve the continuing setbacks with the muscle.
Asked when the central defender may return before the visit of Everton on Wednesday, Pellegrini said: “Its difficult to know. We are still trying to find out the reasons for so many injuries. Myself I’m not so sure, maybe the last part of the season.”
Despite this potential scenario Pellegrini said he was pleased with his options at centre-back and is not considering strengthening that department in January.
The manager also shrugged off Pep Guardiola’s apology for unsettling managers after saying he would leave Bayern Munich to manage in the Premier League next season. City are considered the Spaniard’s most likely destination with Pellegrini saying: “I’m not concerned with the future.”
