AFP, West Bromwich :
Manchester City’s attacking injury problems remain ahead of Friday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion, but manager Manuel Pellegrini expects better news concerning on-loan midfielder Frank Lampard before 2015 arrives.
Lampard’s loan move from City’s sister club New York City in Major League Soccer is due to expire at the end of the month.
But Pellegrini is confident he will sign the 36-year-old for the remainder of the season, regardless of whatever difficulties it may present to the American club as they prepare for their inaugural season.
“I hope Frank’s situation will be resolved in the next days,” said Pellegrini, whose side trail leaders Chelsea by three points in the Premier League.
“I said in the beginning it will be during December we are going to have the last decision. I repeat, Frank is very important for our team so I hope he will stay here.
“I don’t think it will upset New York. That is why we have long conversations with all of them. That is just one club, so I think that what is better for the club is better for all the clubs.”
While Lampard will be part of the City squad at The Hawthorns on Friday, Pellegrini will be without his injured front-line forwards Edin Dzeko, Stevan Jovetic and, most damagingly of all, leading scorer Sergio Aguero.
Jovetic may play again before the turn of the year, with City hosting Burnley on Sunday, but Dzeko and Aguero are expected to be sidelined until the second half of January.
