City may be without Kompany until ‘last part of season’

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 St Stephen's 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.

Recent struggle

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.”

Tim Howard is set for an Everton recall at Manchester City despite his recent struggle for form and Joel Robles's assured displays in cup competitions.

The 36-year-old gave way to the Spanish goalkeeper for Everton’s League Cup semi-final win over City and the FA Cup defeat of Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday in keeping with Roberto Martínez’s selection policy.

Howard had come in for fierce criticism from supporters before the cup ties for failing to command his area, prompting a reaction from the USA international in league defeats to Leicester City and Stoke City.

Martínez insists the veteran’s experience is invaluable behind a defence frequently disrupted by injury this season and indicated Howard will reclaim his place at the Etihad Stadium. “We want to improve in every position and have good competition and Joel has been terrific,” said the Everton manager.

350 appearances

“He’s done really well but Tim brings unique experience and knowhow. You have good and bad moments but we appreciate what Tim brings on top of being between the sticks. He will be the first Everton player to have 350 appearances in the Premier League and it’s time we used that experience to develop our youngsters . . .”

The leading goalscorer, Romelu Lukaku, is fit to face Pellegrini’s side having injured an ankle when scoring the winner in that first leg at Goodison Park.

Martínez said: “Rom trained 100 per cent. He feels really good and his recovery had gone according to plan and he is clear to play. In any game, in the kind of form he’s shown, he’s very important. On top of that he has that scoring touch and would be needed in any team . . .”

Martínez also confirmed the defender Ramiro Funes Mori will be available despite requiring 10 stitches in a head wound. Tom Cleverley remains doubtful with a calf injury and Seamus Coleman will be sidelined for "another 10 to 15 days", according to Martínez.

Guardian Service