He's in a coma now!
Setback for Manuel Pellegrini as Komatija Nastasic is struck by injury
KOMATIJA NASTASIC is battling to be fit for the start of Manchester City’s Premier League campaign.
By George Scott/Published 29th July 2013
Komatija Nastasic, injuryNastasic will be out of action for at least three weeks with an ankle injury and boss Manuel Pellegrini will now step up his search for a new defender after the Serbian’s injury blow.
Nastasic will have a scan on his damaged ankle today but the early verdict of City’s medical staff is understood to be a minimum three-week lay-off.
Pellegrini admitted he wanted a defender to complete his new-look squad, even before Nastasic was crocked in the Barclays Asia Trophy final win against Sunderland in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Real Madrid’s Pepe remains a target but with boss Carlo Ancelotti keen to keep the Portugal international, City are now looking elsewhere.
But if Pellegrini doesn’t find someone suitable before transfer deadline, he is happy to recall either Joleon Lescott or Micah Richards to partner skipper Vincent Kompany in the back four.
He said: “We are concerned about the Nastasic injury but it is better to wait. He got a kick on his ankle and will see a doctor back in Manchester.
“I have already said we could do some transfers before the season starts but I am very happy with the squad I have.
“It does not depend on one thing. Maybe we will stay with the same squad.”
Pellegrini is unsure of whether he will make any new signings before the transfer window closesPellegrini is unsure of whether he will make any new signings before the transfer window closes
Meanwhile, new boy Fernandinho has vowed to buck the trend of expensive Brazilian flops at City.
Jo, Elano, Giovanni and Robinho all struggled with the physical rigours of the Premier League and failed to make a sustained impact.
Jo and Robinho were club record signings at £18m and £32m respectively in the summer of 2008, with City losing a huge amount of money on both players.
Fernandinho has now become the third most expensive player in City’s history following his £30m move from Shakhtar Donetsk and is well aware of the expectations on his shoulders.
He said: “The transfer fee is not a burden for me. The expectations are high for everyone here, not just for me. I am not worried by that.
“It is a different league and a different style of football and obviously I don’t have any experience of English football.
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