Chelsea vs Manchester City: Pellegrini says Vincent Kompany will miss Stamford Bridge clash

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed captain Vincent Kompany will miss his side's trip to Chelsea - but he is hopeful of the Belgian returning to first-team action against Newcastle United on Tuesday (19 April).

The club's inspirational skipper has recently been sidelined with a calf muscle strain. However, Pellegrini has revealed Kompany is likely to return to his matchday squad in the coming days.

"Vincent Kompany is not in the squad for tomorrow. I hope he will start on Tuesday against Newcastle," the City boss told reporters during a pre-match press conference ahead of his team's trip to Stamford Bridge. "We need to bring him back when he is 100%. He has been very unlucky with injuries."

Meanwhile, Pellegrini - whose City side have been drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals - revealed David Silva will also miss the game against Chelsea with an ankle injury, while Raheem Sterling is close to making a first-team return.

"David Silva is out tomorrow with an ankle injury. Raheem Sterling was working with the squad yesterday, maybe he will be fit on Tuesday. All other players are OK," the City boss shared. "Silva needs to manage his ankle until the end of the season. It's difficult for him to play two games in a row and we do not want to force him too much. We just have to make sure he is 100%. He doesn't need an operation at the end of the season."

Pellegrini also insisted he still considers Yaya Toure to be an "important" player for the club, despite the Ivorian being named on the bench for their all-important Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain. "Yaya, 100% fit, is an important player and can make a difference starting or playing 30 minutes," the manager explained.

City are currently fourth in the Premier League, four points ahead of their eternal rivals Manchester United in the race for Champions League football.