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Manuel Pellegrini insists he is not punishing Vincent Kompany after leaving the Manchester City captain out for the last two games.

But the Chilean would not confirm if the centre back will be recalled for Sunday's derby against Manchester United.

Kompany has been named on the bench for the games against Bournemouth and Sevilla.

But Pellegrini says he is not punishing his skipper for playing for Belgium against City’s wishes.

Pellegrini was adamant that Kompany was not fit to play for his country after missing a month with a calf injury.

Yet he dismissed any suggestion of an issue between him and the player.

“I don’t have a problem with Vincent,” he said. “Every week I choose the starting XI that’s best for that game.

“Other players must wait. It’s exactly the same for all the players.

“I’m not punishing Vincent. I have no problems in my relations with Vincent.”

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Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otmendi have filled in during Kompany’s absence, but the 29-year-old is expected to make his comeback at Old Trafford.

Pellegrini added: “After one month, five weeks without playing, training you must be fit, and are not ready for important games.

“It is important to work some days before return to the team.

He added: "It's crucial to play with the best players for the moment. Football is moments – now, Mangala and Otamendi are doing well."

Pellegrini confirmed that David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri, Fabian Delph and Gael Clichy are all injured for the derby.