Manchester City injury news: Vincent Kompany set to make return against Sunderland

Manchester City have received a timely boost in the form of Vincent Kompany, who is expected to be fit for their game against Sunderland at the Etihad on Boxing Day. The defender has been sorely missed in the City ranks this season, with the 2013/14 champions having a dismal record in the league whenever they have been forced to field a side without their talismanic captain.

His absence was apparent in City's 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates, with the Gunners carving open the visitors' defence with consummate ease. Nicolas Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala have failed to form a partnership at the back this season and a lack of understanding led to them conceding both goals against the Gunners, who were repeatedly finding Mesut Ozil with ample space in the middle of the park

The German assisted the two goals for the north London cub and the Gunners could have had more if not for some profligate finishing from Joel Campbell and Aaron Ramsey in the second half. The Citizens have kept only one clean sheet in the nine games they have played without their captain, while keeping seven in the last eight when the Belgian was a part of the team. Pellegrini has revealed that the defender is training with the team for the past two days and should be in contention to be in the squad this weekend.

"Vincent is working the last two days with the squad. I hope that for Saturday he'll be OK," Pellegrini said, after their game against Arsenal, as quoted by the Mirror. "With Vincent returning to the team, with David and Sergio playing normally every week I suppose that we are going to continue being an important team for the fight of the title."

The only positive coming out of their game against Arsenal was the return of Sergio Aguero to the first team, who completed 60 minutes before being hauled off. The striker played a part in some beautiful moves but was not completely fit and was unable to combine with David Silva, who was closely marked by Mathieu Flamini.

The news will come as music to the ears for City fans ahead of their trip to Leicester City before the end of the year, who are currently six points ahead at the top of the table.