Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany a doubt for Manchester United showdown

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany is a doubt for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester United, according to Manuel Pellegrini.

Kompany, who turned 29 today (10 April), will be assessed on Saturday before a final decision is taken.

"We'll see tomorrow if he can play or not. It's better with Kompany but if he can't play, we have a squad," the City boss told his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's trip to Old Trafford.

Pellegrini is also without the forward options of Wilfried Bony and Stevan Jovetic, who are still struggling with respective knee and muscle injuries.

"Stevan Jovetic has a muscle injury. Bony twisted his ankle and knee before the game against Crystal Palace. He won't be ready for this game," said Pellegrini.

City enter the derby having slid down to fourth place in the Premier League table after their 2-0 defeat to Palace on Monday, 6 April. United's victory over Aston Villa two days earlier saw them climb above their neighbours for the first time all season into third place.

Louis van Gaal's side are very much the team in the ascendency following five consecutive league victories but Pellegrini believes there is plenty of time left in the season for more surprises.

"It's an important game as we're close in the table but I don't think the season is finished for either side after. I think that they have a lot of respect for us - in the last few years we dominated the derby and the Premier League. The derby gives the game an extra boost - I hope that not only the intensity is high but the quality too - for the fans."