City’s top scorer has missed the past four games since picking up a hamstring injury against Barcelona last month, but returned to training earlier this week.
“It is too soon for Sergio,” said Pellegrini. “He has trained for only two days and needs more time. Perhaps one week more and he should be fine for the game against Liverpool.
“We hope he will return and play an important role in our remaining matches but this match has come too soon for him. He needs more work to become 100% fit but he will be fine for next weekend.”
The City boss also gave further injury updates on his squad, adding: “Matija Nastasic continues to work with the physios as he recovers and Micah Richards is in the squad for the game against Southampton.
“Southampton are a very good team who are playing without pressure who are very comfortable in the table. They cannot be relegated and they can’t qualify for Europe so they are playing with freedom and we are absolutely sure we will have a hard game on Saturday.”
When asked if he liked the song the City fans sing about him, Pellegrini smiled and said: “I like it a lot. I knew all about our supporters’ passion before I arrived as I had watched the Premier League for many years.
“They can play a huge role in our remaining games and have been fantastic all season so I’m sure they will be right behind us in the games that remain, both home and away.”
