Vincent Kompany out for a 'minimum of one month' after early injury

Kompany picked up a muscular injury and immediately kicked the ball out of play before collapsing to the floor. He hobbled off the pitch to be replaced by Eliaquim Mangala.

The Belgium international injured the calf which has given him persistent problems and City say he will be out for at least a month, ruling their captain and key defender out of a string of important Premier League and the Champions League quarter-finals.

“Unfortunately for Kompany he has again a calf problem in his muscle, we will see how important it is tomorrow,” said Pellegrini.

“Yes it is the same injury. It’s difficult for him as he came back very well, played six games in a row. Unfortunately for him he couldn’t continue.”

Incredibly, City then lost their second starting centre-back after 20 minutes when Nicolas Otamendi suffered an impact injury in a challenge and was replaced by Martin Demichelis.

However, his injury is not serious.

"Otamendi has a kick," said Pellegrini. "Hope he can recover in a couple of days."