Manchester City blow as Matija Nastasic faces three weeks out
The centre-back is sidelined with a calf injury
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Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic is facing a three-week lay-off with a calf injury, manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed.
The Serbia international missed the midweek Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen after being withdrawn at half-time during last weekend's 6-0 Barclays Premier League thrashing of Tottenham.
On the positive side, captain and centre-back Vincent Kompany has recovered from a thigh problem but is not deemed sufficiently match-fit for Sunday's clash with Swansea.
Two other injury victims, David Silva and Stevan Jovetic, are pencilled in to face Bayern Munich on December 10 while midfielder Jack Rodwell has overcome his latest niggle.
Pellegrini said: "Vincent Kompany is fit and he is not ready to play on Sunday but I think next week he will be without any problems.
"Jovetic and Silva - I think they will play against Bayern Munich.
"Nastasic needs more time to recover - I think three weeks more.
"Rodwell is fit and can play this Sunday."
Pellegrini, speaking at his latest pre-match press conference, would not confirm whether Costel Pantilimon or Joe Hart would start in goal.
Long-time number one Hart returned in midweek after being left out for the five previous fixtures, with Romanian Pantilimon taking his place.
With Hart central to England's World Cup plans, the issue continues to command much attention and Pellegrini attempted to head off anticipated questions by speaking on the subject unprompted.
He said: "Joe Hart, I think he played very, very well the other day.
"He had a good performance. We trust a lot in him and we will see who will start on Sunday."
Hart was dropped by Pellegrini earlier this month after a series of errors.
He was faultless on his return against Plzen and made a couple of good saves in the second half.
Pellegrini added: "All the players give me a lot of things to think about and that is my job.
"When they give good performances, it is very easy. Not difficult, easy."
PA
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