Friday 15 April 2016 14:56, UK
Manuel Pellegrini is hoping Vincent Kompany and Raheem Sterling will be available for next Tuesday's Premier League trip to Newcastle.
Kompany has been sidelined for a month while winger Sterling last played in the Manchester derby on March 20. Neither player is fit enough for City's clash against Chelsea on Saturday Night Football.
The Chilean also said David Silva is carrying an ankle injury which means he is unlikely to play consecutive matches between now and the end of the season.
Regarding injury news, ahead of this weekend's fixture at Stamford Bridge, the City manager said: "Vincent is working. He's not in the squad list for Saturday.
"I am hoping he will be in the starting XI next Tuesday. For me Kompany, Mangala, Demichelis and Otamendi give me a lot of chances on the pitch," said Pellegrini. "We need to bring back the captain when he is 100 per cent to play.
"David Silva still has an ankle problem. Sterling has started working with the squad and I am hoping he can return for Tuesday. All other players are fit.
"Silva will manage the ankle until the end of the season. It's difficult for him to play two games in a row. At the moment he doesn't need surgery at the end of the season.
"It's a pain that is there after games but not so important that he needs surgery."
At Friday's pre-match press conference, Pellegrini also talked about the importance of Kevin De Bruyne to the City team: "He's a good player who is part of a good team. He's a very young player.
"When Kevin returned from injury he demonstrated how important he is. I expect him to continue with the same performance until the end of the season.
"He keeps the ball well and he has goals. I think he will keep improving the next few years. He is a professional who tries to play well in every game."
