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Vincent Kompany could return before the end of the season, after making progress in his recovery from a groin injury.

It was feared the Belgian international would miss the remainder of the campaign, following the injury picked up in the 4-2 defeat against Manchester United earlier this month.

But Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he could yet boost Manchester City’s bid for a Champions League place.

The Chilean said: “It is important the way he will improve next week.

“Vincent has at least two weeks more.

“After this game we have to play four games more. If he can continue improving he can be (back for) two games.”

David Silva is available for tomorrow’s game against Aston Villa after suffering a facial injury in the win against West Ham on Sunday. James Milner is also back from a knee problem, while Wilfried Bony could make only his third start for City since his £25m move from Swansea on Saturday.

Samir Nasri is out with a groin injury, while Gael Clichy and Stevan Jovetic are also unavailable.

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City could overtake United in third place with victory against Villa, with Louis van Gaal’s side face Everton on Sunday.

Liverpool are seven points behind the Premier League champions in fifth place with a game in hands - but Pellegrini insists he is focused on rising up the table, rather than the challenge of Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“I am more interested in trying to discount one point than to lose seven,” he said. “It is a positive mind.”