Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that midfielder Fernandinho is struggling to be fit for the club's Champions League match with Barcelona.

Fernandinho suffered a muscle injury last weekend which forced him out of City's clash with Chelsea, and Pellegrini believes that it could be at least two weeks before the Brazilian returns to action.

The 60-year-old told reporters: "Fernandinho is working with the physiotherapist. We think that it will be another 15 days, so he is not available for the next games."

When asked whether he could feature against Barcelona on February 18, Pellegrini replied: "It's difficult. We will see over the next week, but it's difficult."

Fernandinho has made 30 appearances for Manchester City during the current campaign.