Kompany facing up to four weeks out

Scan reveals thigh strain

City captain Vincent Kompany is facing another spell on the sidelines, after suffering a thigh strain in the recent 3-1 victory over Everton. Kompany was forced to leave the pitch in the first half after pulling up in some discomfort, and cut a frustrated figure as he left the pitch.

City’s medical staff have not confirmed the extent of the strain, although it is understood that the injury is not too serious – and Kompany could be back playing in three weeks if it is a grade one injury.

The Belgian defender has already missed a month of the season after picking up a groin strain in the opening game against Newcastle, but City will be relieved that this is not a reoccurence of that injury. However, questions will be raised over City's failure to add another quality centre half in the transfer window, after a move for Real Madrid's Pepe fell through.

Martin Demichelis was recruited from Atletico Madrid, and is due to resume training this week following knee ligament damage. His return is timely, as City have limited options at centre-half and a congested fixture list after the international break, with four sucessive away games against West Ham, CSKA Moscow, Chelsea and Newcastle.