Samir Nasri: Manchester City winger set for spell on sidelines

Manchester City winger Samir Nasri could have surgery on his troublesome groin next week and be missing for a month.

The Frenchman missed the 7-0 Capital One Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday in midweek due to the problem.

Boss Manuel Pellegrini confirmed Nasri was not in his plans for the match against Hull City on Saturday as well, and then explained the absence could be much longer.

"It's serious because maybe he will have surgery in the next days. I'm not a doctor but I think he will be out for around one month," Pellegrini said.

"He was training but he wasn't 100 per cent. He didn't feel comfortable with what he was doing so the doctor decided that was the best option.

"Of course he's a very important player for us and it's not easy for us to play without Samir.

"But I never give excuses about players that, for different reasons, are not in our squad. We have an important squad."

City are also currently without midfielder Fernando (groin) and striker Stevan Jovetic (hamstring), although Pellegrini said of that pair: "Both of them, I think, will be ready next week."

Striker Sergio Aguero and playmaker David Silva are back available for Saturday's contest after knee and ankle problems respectively, along with Pablo Zabaleta following the completion of his suspension.