Kompany fit for Sunderland clash, says Man City’s Pellegrini

He said: “Sergio was ready to play – he needed minutes”.

He could also be joined by Pablo Zabaleta and Fernando, who have both trained this week.

Manchester City have lost a derby match against Arsenal, falling six points behind current Premier League leaders Leicester and four behind aforementioned Arsene Wenger’s team.

Sunderland, for their part, have lost their last three matches and despite a mini revival in November which saw them win back-to-back league matches for the first time this season, they remain five points from safety.

Kompany (calf), Zabaleta (knee ligament) and Fernando (hamstring) are all fit to return to the City squad following lay-offs.

Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila seemed to indicate there is no such thing as free games for the Black Cats ahead of their trip to Manchester City on Boxing Day.

“At the moment we have Lee Cattermole still doubtful and Seb Larsson is definitely out”, said Allardyce.

Joe Hart was forced off with a hamstring injury as Manchester City lost 1-0 to Juventus in the Champions League in a blow that adds to a growing injury crisis at the Etihad.

– Former City winger Adam Johnson has scored in his past two Premier League appearances on Boxing Day, against Hull in 2014 and City in 2012.

They head into the match on the run of three defeats on the spin, with Chelsea their most recent conquerors in a 3-1 win in their first game post Jose Mourinho. Sterling, De Bruyne and Bony will be looking for some post Christmas cheer when they face the worst defence in the Premier League on Saturday.

“The Black Cats conceded twice in the opening 10 minutes, did not manage a shot on target after the 40th minute and had Younes Kaboul dismissed to cap off a miserable afternoon”.

I know Sunderland need a win as well, but City just have to get the three points here.

City meet Sam Allardyce’s men on Saturday, before facing title rivals Leicester on December 29.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been erratic at the back so far this term, but could have skipper Vincent Kompany back for the Sunderland game, which would give his side a huge fillip. They are four points below Arsenal.