Vincent Kompany might not be back for Manchester City until the 'last part of the season', admits Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini  has revealed that Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany could be out for at least another month, and possibly until ‘the final part of the season’, with persistent calf injuries.

The Belgium defender, who has made just 12 appearances this campaign, was expected to return from his latest setback at the end of January.

But Pellegrini said: ‘I don’t think he will be ready before a month. We are trying to do what we can to recover him as soon as we can. He could be fit for the last part of the season. 

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini admits being bewildered by Vincent Kompany's injuries

The Belgium defender has only made 12 appearances for City this season amid a series of calf injuries

‘Vincent is doing a lot of different things to try to understand and find the reasons why he has so many injuries. In this moment, it’s difficult for me to tell you an update about that.’

Although the City boss admitted it was difficult to predict when Kompany will be back, Belgium’s national team doctor Kris Van Crombrugge claimed on Tuesday that they had always expected the 29-year-old to have a six-week layoff and be playing again by the end of February. 

Van Crombrugge said: ‘Actually six weeks of inactivity were foreseen. And we’re now two weeks gone, so we are on schedule. Of course afterwards, you might have to count two weeks extra, just to bring him back carefully – you don’t know for sure.’

Meanwhile Pellegrini insists he isn’t worried by Pep Guardiola’s imminent arrival in English football after the Bayern Munich boss apologised on Tuesday for announcing his plans early.

Guardiola has apologised to Premier League managers for announcing his intention to manage in England

Sergio Aguero takes part in a trainingsession  ahead of City's clash with Everton on Wednesday

Raheem Sterling and David Silva (right) are put through their paces after the FA Cup win over Norwich

City midfielder Yaya Toure was wrapped up in hat, scarf and gloves as he trained at Carrington

City are Guardiola’s most likely destination and the Spaniard’s recent admission that he will move to the Premier League when he leaves Munich this summer has plunged Pellegrini’s future at the Etihad into doubt.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are the other possible options, but Guardiola once again refused to say where he will go and apologised for the unwanted distraction it may have caused his managerial counterparts in England.

‘I am sorry,’ he said. ‘Normally, in my career as a trainer, as a player, I respect a lot my colleagues, so I am sorry. It wasn’t my intention.

‘I will reveal my new club once I have actually signed a contract. I have not talked with the players about my imminent move to England.’

The issue continues to hang over Pellegrini even though he could take City back to the top of the Premier League if they beat Everton at home on Wednesday night and Arsenal and Leicester drop points. 

Pellegrini insists he will not consider his future at the Etihad until after the season has finished

The Chilean shrugged off questions about Guardiola’s apology and insisted that he will address his future in the summer.

‘No, I’m not worried about that so I don’t think he has to apologise for me,’ said Pellegrini. ‘I have nothing to say about that.

‘I’m not worried about the future. My duty is to try to do the best work at Manchester City – to try to win the Premier League this year and to be involved in every competition until the end.

‘If after that I finish the year with those achievements I will be very happy. In that moment, I will start thinking about the future.’