Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed Lukasz Fabianski could return for the Boxing Day meeting with Crystal Palace.

David Martin has also been dealing with an injury, and Pellegrini says both players could be available for the trip to Selhurst Park.

"Both of them are recovering. We will see in the next few days who will be able to play," he said.

"I don't think either of them will be able to play two games in 48 hours because both of them had a massive problem. We will see today and tomorrow who will be the goalkeeper for the first game.

"Both could be missing, both could be playing. We'll see in these two days. It'll be very important to see the medical decision, the player decision and, of course, my decision."

Asked if the return of Fabianski would be a boost, Pellegrini added: "Of course, that's why it's not an easy decision.

"It's not just a medical decision, it's a technical decision and also the player's decision. It depends on how confident he feels after going so long without playing a game.

"He's looking well. He's working every day harder. If he's not available on the 26th, then maybe the 28th or the 1st. In this one week, he will be playing."