A knee injury sustained in training is set to keep new arrival Martin Demichelis out for around six weeks.
The club doctor confirmed a scan last night revealed ligament damage to the defender’s right knee, but that surgery is not required.
The 32-year-old Argentine international joined the Blues over the weekend after finalising a move from Atletico Madrid.
Defensive injuries have been a big concern for Manuel Pellegrini so far this season, with Vincent Kompany still side-lined and Micah Richards out of action.
