Vincent Kompany is set to make his return from injury for Manchester City's Boxing Day clash with Sunderland.

Kompany has missed City's last five league fixtures and eight in all competitions with a calf injury, but City boss Pellegrini is optimistic he will have his captain back for the clash with the Black Cats.

"Vincent is working the last two days with the squad. I hope that for Saturday he'll be OK," Pellegrini said.

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