Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he will be without the services of skipper Vincent Kompany for a minimum of four weeks.

The Belgian international has already missed a huge chunk of the season due to a troublesome calf problem and his absence has often been cited as the reason behind City's leaky defence in recent times.

Following the goalless draw with Leicester City on Tuesday night, the Chilean revealed that centre-back Kompany will be missing for the next month or so after aggravating the area in the win over Sunderland on Boxing Day.

"We will see how long Vincent will be out, but I don't think it will be less than 3-4 weeks," said Pellegrini.

"I am not a doctor, but with a muscle injury, it will be very difficult for him to be back in less than four weeks.

"But without him, we must continue to defend as did tonight."