Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Carrington, the Chilean confirmed the trio are not available for selection, although he also claimed they could return to action as soon as next week.
On a more positive note, the 61-year-old declared Sergio Aguero and David Silva fit for the clash at the KC Stadium.
“We continue with Jovetic and Fernando out of the team,” he disclosed. “Both of them will be ready next week but Nasri also has a groin problem.
“Aguero and Silva are both okay.”
The champions head into the game on the back of a thumping 7-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday - a result Pellegrini was delighted with and hopes will spur his players on against a side he feels will provide a tough test.
“It was a very useful match for our team,” he reflected. “We were not scoring too many goals here at home. We did not win the last four games. We did not play badly but we didn’t win.
“It is always important to win in the way we did on Wednesday and I hope this can continue in the future – especially tomorrow against Hull because in the Premier League, we cannot drop many points.
“Hull is a difficult team to play away. Last year, it was not one of our best games because Vincent Kompany was sent off in the first ten minutes but we played really well and we won.
“I hope this year we can do it in the same way but I am sure we will find it tough at their home because they always play very strongly – especially in aerial duals.”
When queried on the prospect of Frank Lampard extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini remained coy, asserting a decision on that issue will not be made until nearer the end of the midfielder’s contract.
“Lampard has scored three goals in his last two games so he is a very important player for us,” the City boss stated. “He will stay with us here until his deal finishes in January. We will see after that what we are going to do. It is not a problem we have to analyse at this moment.
“We are in September and we still have October, November and December – three long months he will continue with us.
“I hope all of your questions are asked because all of you want to continue seeing him here!”
On the topic of James Milner‘s future following the midfielder’s admission he wants to play more regularly, Pellegrini insisted the Englishman is part of his plans.
“What James Milner said is what every footballer will say,” he replied. “Every player wants to play more games. James is very important player for our squad. He knows exactly what I think about that.
“I don’t think we will have any problem with him because he is always involved. Maybe sometimes he will start games from the beginning or as a substitute but he is always playing.”
Reflecting on Jose Angel Pozo‘s dream debut, he uttered: “For me, it is very important to give an opportunity to a young player. Pozo is a very good player.
“Unfortunately, he had one year out with a problem with his ankle. Now he is coming back and as a manager, I am very happy to give him the opportunity. He deserves it for his work in the week when I saw him every day.”
City v AS Roma – tickets available!
Tickets are still available for City’s opening home Champions League clash against AS Roma on 30 September (7:45pm BST).
Don’t miss out on this crucial encounter as Manuel Pellegrini‘s men look to continue their European adventure with this must-win tie against the Italian outfit.
European nights at the Etihad Stadium under the lights are always special so get your tickets now.
