Manchester City were handed a major injury boost ahead of their derby match against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, as central defender Nicolas Otamendi was declared fit to play by manager Manuel Pellegrini, as per the M.E.N
Having played out a rather dull 0-0 draw against Dynamo Kiev, City lost both of their first-choice centre-backs to injury within the opening twenty minutes of the tie.
Vincent Kompany went down with his third calf injury of the season and Otamendi hobbled off after a nasty collision following a tough tackle.
However, news of the Argentine’s injury came to light today with Pellegrini telling media that the injury was “an important kick”.
Pellegrini said:
We think that it will be just a couple of days – maybe. We will see the way he develops in the next day.
City host Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United side on Sunday in a derby that will decide whether or not the Blues are in a top-four battle. Losing the game could see City only a handful of points in front of United, who are in sixth place and in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Otamendi, one of City’s summer signings, would most likely partner Eliaquim Mangala – who recently came back from an injury and featured in what was a steady cameo against Kiev yesterday evening.
