Martin Demichelis: Man City signing ruled out for six weeks

Martin Demichelis

New Manchester City signing Martin Demichelis has been ruled out for around six weeks with a knee injury.

The 32-year-old defender, who has 37 Argentina caps, joined from Atletico Madrid in a £4.2m deal on Sunday.

While the centre-half does not need surgery, his loss adds to manager Manuel Pellegrini's defensive problems.

Captain Vincent Kompany is expected to be sidelined for another three weeks with a groin injury, while Micah Richards has a hamstring strain.

Demichelis had only joined previous club Atletico Madrid in July after moving on a free transfer from Malaga.

He played under new City boss Pellegrini at Malaga and River Plate, helping the former to the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League.

His injury means he will miss Premier League matches against Stoke City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton, plus Champions League ties against Viktoria Plzen and Bayern Munich.

Matija Nastasic, the 20-year-old Serb, and England international Joleon Lescott are the only recognised central defenders available.