Pellegrini hopes Kolarov can return for Manchester derby

Manchester City has a dilemma at left-back following news that Aleksandar Kolarov will be out for around 15 days with a hamstring injury sustained while representing Serbia, manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed.

Kolarov's rival for the left side of defence, Gael Clichy, has been absent for some time with an ankle injury and is not expected to return until later this month.

In the duo's absence, Pellegrini may opt for either Bacary Sagna or Pablo Zabaleta to move to the opposite side of the back four, or for the left-footed Eliaquim Mangala to move from his familiar position at centre-back.

Although the Chilean boss was more vague about the predicted return dates for other sidelined players - Clichy, Sergio Aguero, and Fabian Delph - he was more specific with the timelines for Kolarov and Spanish midfielder David Silva.

"We'll see how they improve in the next week - I hope both of them can be back in 15 days," Pellegrini said at the pre-match conference for Saturday's visit of Bournemouth.

That would mean both are absent for Wednesday's hosting of Sevilla in Champions League action, but that they are in contention for the trip to archrival Manchester United on Oct. 25.

City currently sits atop the Premier League table and will be a strong favourite when Bournemouth visits in the afternoon kickoff Saturday.