City Receive Post-Derby Boost as Pellegrini Talks up Playmaker Return

Manchester City have received a post-derby day boost after manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed David Silva is set to return in time for the Champions League group match against Bayern Munich.

Silva was expected to return for the visit of Manchester United after picking up a thigh injury while on international duty with Spain earlier this month, however, the 27 year old took no part as City cruised to a 4-1 win.

But Pellegrini says Silva, who is likely to miss the Premier League trip to Aston Villa this weekend, should return for the visit of Champions League winners Bayern next Wednesday.

"We'll see if David is fit in the next day," Pellegrini said after City's 5-0 League Cup win over Wigan Athletic.

"The doctor understands better than me what happened - I think maybe for next Saturday I don't think he can play but maybe for next Wednesday against Bayern, he could be fit."

Silva is the latest player to return from injury for City after the Manchester derby hailed the return of captain Vincent Kompany, who produced an inspirational showing to help beat the Premier League champions.

City built on their win over United with a crushing victory over FA Cup winners Wigan on Tuesday to secure passage to the League Cup fourth round, with new signing Stevan Jovetic notching twice and Pellegrini was delighted to keep the momentum going.

"I spoke with the players before this game, telling them that we must always try and play in the same way as we did on Sunday," he said.

"We can change names but, for me, it was important to see today the same team we saw on Sunday - the same philosophy, the same intensity and of course, scoring 12 goals in a week is very important.

"It's important for Stevan to score and play well, he wasn't playing because he had some physical problems at the start of the season but for the last two weeks he's been working hard."