Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has stated that Vincent Kompany still has a huge influence on the team despite his persistent injury problems.

Kompany has missed a large chunk of the current campaign due to a host of injuries and with the Belgian absent for such an extended period, some had stated that Pellegrini should consider electing another permanent captain.

However, the Chilean has ridiculed such drastic action and has stated that Kompany still holds a huge influence on the team despite his absence.

Pellegrini said: "I think if he is the captain it is because he deserves to be the captain.

"Of course it's better to have a captain that is always (playing).

"But I think he deserves to have a lot of support at this time and not try to criticise by taking the captain out. I think that as a captain it better to be in front of your team every game. But you can also work a lot during the week as a captain when you are injured."