Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side cannot count on Vincent Kompany for any lengthy period of time due to the centre-back's injury problems.

Kompany was withdrawn at half time of this afternoon's derby against Manchester United having picked up another injury during the first half, being replaced by Ilkay Gundogan for the visitors at Old Trafford.

City still went on to register a record 14th consecutive Premier League win, but Guardiola suggested that he could be forced to do business in the January transfer window in order to cover for Kompany.

"Vinnie is always like this – unfortunately we can't count on him for a long time," he told Sky Sports News.

Guardiola also refuted suggestions from opposite number Jose Mourinho that his players went down easily during the derby, adding: "It's not true that my players go down easily. That is not an argument I believe."

City's win takes them 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, although Guardiola has insisted that it is too early to crown his side champions-elect.