Pellegrini hints at serious Kompany setback

Kompany lasted just nine minutes of his latest return to action,
against Sunderland on Boxing Day, before having to limp off the
pitch with another problem in his troublesome calf.

Pellegrini said shortly afterwards that the Belgian would be out
of action for three to four weeks, but speaking ahead of
Wednesday's game with Everton he suggested it could be more
serious.

When asked about his defensive options and potential January
signings, he said: “We have Demichelis, we have Otamendi, we
have Bacary Sagna, who can play in a central defensive
position, we have Cameron [Humphreys], who is a young
player who featured in pre-season with the squad.

"Mangala will return soon. Vincent maybe not so soon, but for
the last part of the season, he could be fit. So at this moment,
we are not thinking about making a change.”

Pellegrini had already said it is not easy to give specific
updates on Kompany, hinting that all parties are still trying to
determine the root of the issue.

“It’s difficult, because Vincent is doing a lot of different things
to try to understand and find the reasons why he has so many
injuries. In this moment, it’s difficult for me to tell you an
update about that.”