Tuesday 23 December 2014 17:12, UK
Frank Lampard's future at Manchester City could be decided in the next few days, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Lampard joined the Premier League champions on loan in August, one month after signing a two-year contract with sister club New York City following his release by Chelsea.
The 36-year-old was loaned out because the MLS season does not begin until March and talk has been rife as to whether the midfielder will stay in Manchester for the remainder of City's Premier League campaign.
“I hope that the Frank situation will be resolved in the next few days,” Pellegrini said.
“I said at the beginning [of Lampard’s loan] that it would be during December when we would have the last decision, but I repeat once again that I think Frank is very important for our team so I hope he will stay here."
Pellegrini does not think extending Lampard's stay would upset New York.
“I don’t think so. That’s why I have a long conversation with all of them," he said.
“I think what’s better for the club is better for all the clubs.”
Meanwhile, Pellegrini is coping with a lengthy injury list as he prepares for a clash with West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.
Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko will not return until late January, but Stevan Jovetic and Vincent Kompany are pushing to return over the Christmas period.
Pellegrini said: "The injuries are the same as last week. The strikers - Sergio, Edin Dzeko and Jovetic, and Vincent Kompany.
"I am not a doctor so it is difficult for me to know exactly but maybe Jovetic and Kompany will be soon, the end of this week or next week. Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero will be the second part of January."
