Pellegrini provides fitness update on Silva and Kompany

Mark Holmes
Vincent Kompany and David Silva: Both back in contention

Manuel Pellegrini says David Silva is closing on 100 per cent fitness – and the Manchester City boss expects to soon welcome back Vincent Kompany.

Silva has played 13 games since returning from a month-long lay-off with an ankle injury in November but has not yet rediscovered his best form.

Pellegrini has now revealed the 30-year-old has also been hampered by another problem in recent weeks, providing further reason why he was rested for the FA Cup third-round win at Norwich on January 9.

Pellegrini said: “David has had different injuries during the season, that’s why I didn’t want him to play two games that were very near (together).

“It was not only the ankle. He started with that and one or two weeks before the game against Everton he had a muscle injury that disturbed him a lot.

“But now he is feeling better so I hope he will finish the season in his best performance.

“Every day he is improving. Maybe he’s not 100 per cent but I hope that he will return soon to be absolutely fit.”

Pellegrini, meanwhile, has dismissed reports that Kompany could be out for a further six weeks with a calf problem.

He said: “I don’t think so. I think Vincent will return in a couple of weeks. It is very important the way he improves in the next two weeks but I think he will be fit before.”