Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has warned Eliaquim Mangala he must fight for his place.
Mangala is still waiting to make his debut following his £32m summer move to the champions from Porto.
Pellegrini said: "He can bring a lot.
"He is a very strong a defender, who is very fast.
"He is only 23 so he can still improve a lot, which is what we were looking for.
"We are helping him to settle here in Manchester and after the international break he will be able to play.
"We need the three of them (Kompany, Demichelis and Mangala). Like I have said about the strikers, it's the same with the defenders.
"We have so many games to play. At the moment Demichelis and Kompany are playing well but that doesn't mean Mangala can't play.
"He will have his time to play - and then it depends on (his) performances."
For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball