Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed the availability of forward Sergio Aguero, while stating that Vincent Kompany is set to miss the game against West Ham with a calf problem.
Kompany hobbled off in Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus in the Champions League in midweek.
Confirming the news of the captain’s absence, Pellegrini was quoted by . the Guardian as saying, a Vincent is not fit for the game [with West Ham]. It is always important [not] to have injured players, especially the captain and especially in a moment when we didna t concede any goals in the first five games but I think it is important to carry on playing with the same names but I always say we have a squad.”
Otamendi is expected to start in place of the City captain, with Pellegrini saying, “It is important for NicolA?s Otamendi to have his opportunity to demonstrate why he is here and Mart n Demichelis to return to his performance last season. We have a squad and we need to replace the captain.a
Pablo Zabaleta, Ga l Clichy, Fabian Delph all continue to remain out of contention for a spot in the first team due to injuries. Samir Nasri is not completely fit having picked up a knock, and may start from the bench.
Pellegrini said, ‘Continued to be injured are Pablo Zabaleta, Ga l Clichy, Fabian Delph and Samir Nasir has a kick after the last game and he is not 100% fit for tomorrow.”
However, there was good news for the Citizens with the manager confirming the availability of Sergio Aguero. Pellegrini said, “Sergio [AgA?ero] recovers very well. He is 100% and will play without any problems.a
With Nasri a doubt as well, Kevin De Bruyne could be named in the starting XI for his full debut. Pellegirni added, a He is adapting quickly to our system. Maybe he doesna t dominate all the [play] that we do but he is an important player and he demonstrates especially against Crystal Palace that he can play. We will see tomorrow the 11 starters.
a I am very happy [with him] because same as Raheem Sterling, we didna t have players with their characteristics so they give another option to our squad.a