Trevor Sinclair believes that Manchester City's title aspirations are severely dented by the absence of captain Vincent Kompany.

City have struggled defensively this season due to the sustained injury problems of Kompany and as a result of the defensive frailties, the Citizens have lost crucial points over the course of the campaign so far.

Second-placed City still remain in the hunt for the Premier League title but former winger Sinclair has gone on to state that Kompany's prolonged absence is hurting the Manuel Pellegrini's side's hopes of claiming the crown come season's end.

Speaking exclusively to 888poker.com, Sinclair said: "It will be very difficult because if you look at the results this season and the lack of clean sheets Manchester City have kept then the proof is there. When Vincent is in the team the amount of clean sheets they keep is phenomenally different.

"City's defence certainly doesn't look as it does with Vincent in the team. The fact that Pablo Zabaleta is back is a big boost as he's got that experience and leadership quality that's been lacking so hopefully that will help.

"It's a no-brainer though – Vincent needs to be in that team and that dramatically improves their chances of winning the league.

"Without him it decreases it."