Demichelis ruled out for six weeks

Aregnetinian suffers knee injury in training

City suffered a fresh injury blow yesterday, as new signing Martin Demichelis was ruled out for at least six weeks after suffering knee ligament damage in training.

The Blues are already missing captain Vinvent Kompany and Micah Richards through injury, although the latter is expected to resume full training next week.

With the Manchester derby looming, and the Champions League opener against Viktoria Plzen less than a fortnight away, it is a headache that new manager Manuel Pellegrini could do without.

Joleon Lescott and Matija Nastasic formed an unconvincing partnership against Hull City, but may retain their places against Stoke next weekend. Dedryck Boyata could come into contention, as could Richards if fit, whilst Javi Garcia or Jack Rodwell could play as emergency centre half if required.