Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany could make his comeback against Sunderland on Boxing Day, manager Manuel Pellegrini has said.

Skipper Kompany, who has not played in City's last eight games because of a calf problem, returned to training this week.

He is one of three players on the comeback trail, with Pablo Zabaleta and Fernando also adding to Pellegrini's options.

"The injury situation is better," the manager said at a news conference. "Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta and Fernando are all fit and training normally."

Right-back Zabaleta, who has only started two league games all season, has not featured since October because of knee problems, while midfielder Fernando suffered a hamstring strain in the 2-0 defeat at Stoke.