Vincent Kompany could be out until 'last part of season,' Pellegrini says

Vincent Kompany's battle with a calf injury could continue late into the campaign.

The Manchester City skipper, who has been limited to eight starts this campaign due to significant spells on the treatment table, may not be available into the climax of what could be a tight title race with Arsenal.

When asked for an update on Kompany's fitness ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Everton, manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "It's difficult to know. We are still trying to find out the reasons for so many injuries. Myself I'm not so sure, maybe the last part of the season."

Losing such a stalwart member of his defence and, indeed, his whole squad, could be detrimental for City's charge for honours this term, but Pellegrini was insistent he would not delve into the transfer market for replacements. One particular option could be working to cut short the loan of Jason Denayer, the talented Belgian youngster currently marshalling the back for Galatasaray on a season-long stay.

It's the defence that rivals view as Manchester City's Achilles' heel. A 3-0 win at Norwich City on Saturday, in the absences of David Silva and Yaya Toure who return on Wednesday against Everton, showed the contrasting prolificacy Pellegrini boasts in attack. The Chilean's trust in a certain youngster makes it more probable that City is unlikely to enter the transfer market.

"He's the answer when you ask if we're going to buy another striker - we have Kelechi (Iheanacho)," he said.

Following the midweek meeting with Everton, Crystal Palace travels to Eastlands on Saturday.