Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Vincent Kompany was withdrawn from this afternoon's victory over Southampton as a "precaution".

The Citizens won top 3-0 at St Mary's Stadium to leapfrog their opponents into second place in the Premier League table, while at the same time increasing the pressure on leaders Chelsea.

However, Eliaquim Mangala was shown his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card 15 minutes from time, while Kompany worryingly limped off to leave the champions down to nine men and short of defenders.

Pellegrini confirmed that his captain will undergo tests on Monday morning.

"We don't have both but we have Martin Demichelis and Dedryck Boyata, who is working very well, and Bacary Sagna can also play centre-back," Pellegrini told Sky Sports News when asked how his side will cope with the potential loss in the heart of defence.

"We cannot know if Vincent Kompany has a problem with his hamstring, we will see with the doctor tomorrow. It was a precaution, we will see if it is a cramp or injury."

City return to action on Wednesday night with a trip to Sunderland.