Kolarov ruled out for a month

Defender injured calf in derby warm-up

City's Serbian international Aleksandar Kolarov has been ruled out for "at least" a month, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The left back injured his calf during the warm-up before the Manchester derby on Sunday, and had to be replaced shortly before kick off by Gael Clichy.

Clichy went on to have an excellent game, keeping first Adnan Januzaj and then £59m signing Angel di Maria quiet for the majority of the match.

City, however, lack cover at left back and Kolarov could potentially miss as many as seven games against CSKA Moscow, QPR, Swansea City, Baytern Munich, Southampton, Sunderland and Everton.

Eliaquim Mangala could be deputise for Clichy at left back in an emergency, or alternatively Pablo Zabaleta could switch flanks with Bacary Sagna filling in at right back. Reagrdless, this injury represents a blow to Pellegrini with a hectic schedule of games looming.