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Pablo Zabaleta is ready to face Hull in a protective mask on Saturday after breaking his nose in the 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at the weekend.

Zaby was helped off with blood pouring from a major artery following the accidental clash that left him "stunned" as well as in considerable pain according to those who helped him to the dressing-room.

The popular Argentine, a Premier League ever-present under Roberto Mancini, has still to have surgery and is seeing a specialist today when a special splint is expected to be fitted.

Pablo will also have a protective shield made so that he can join in training at Carrington from tomorrow and be available for selection at the KC Stadium.

But Vincent Kompany is ruled out of Saturday's game as well as Tuesday's home match against Bolton after limping off on Sunday with a groin strain that Mancini initially deemed "serious".

Revised opinion is that the Belgian midfielder, who has been in magnificent form in his international position of centre-half, is more likely to be missing for up to two weeks.

Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira is close to full fitness after overcoming the calf damage that has delayed his debut and the France midfielder is pushing to be pencilled in to play at Hull.

from mcfc.co.uk

Wonderwall wrote:Pablo Zabalecter

Crossie wrote:Id rather take Dougs word on Vieira's fitness. I think im right in saying he hasnt trained fully yet, so theres very little chance he will be playing vs Hull.

Needs a week of training and a reserve game then a couple of 15 min bench appearences i reckon. What a waste of time/money!

shawzy wrote:

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