Manuel Pellegrini is eager for captain Vincent Kompany to return to the Manchester City lineup.

The Belgian centre-back has been sidelined with a calf injury since early November and in his absence, City have conceded 14 goals in eight matches in all competitions.

In the wake of Monday night's 2-1 loss at Arsenal, manager Pellegrini highlighted the importance of Kompany to his side that has been well below par defensively in recent weeks.

"We must improve because we are conceding too many goals," said the Chilean.

"We hope that Vincent will return soon.

"If we have Vincent, David (Silva) and Sergio (Aguero) playing normally every week then I suppose that we are going to continue being an important team for the fight for the title."