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Manchester - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini admits an injury to captain Vincent Kompany will not force the Premier League club to enter the transfer market for another defender.
Belgium international Kompany sustained a groin injury in City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on June 19.
City are already missing Micah Richards, who is out for a month with a hamstring injury, while Matija Nastastic only returned to training this week after four weeks out with an ankle injury.
That leaves Joleon Lescott as City's only fully fit centre-back ahead of their trip to Cardiff City which could see Spain midfielder Javi Garcia pressed into emergency service in City's backline.
But Pellegrini admits the injury to Kompany does not necessarily mean he will definitely bring in another centre-back before the transfer window shuts on September 2.
"It's not dependent on what happens with Vincent Kompany," Pellegrini said.
"We will work (in the transfer window) to the last day and see what we can do to improve the squad.
"Here we have a very good squad so we will see what happens between now and September.
"With Vincent I prefer the doctor will give the last word in how many weeks he will be out.
"I think he's injured for at least one month.
"He will see the doctor who can then give us more information about that."
Pellegrini could hand a debut to playmaker Stevan Jovetic after he confirmed the Montenegro international is closing in on full fitness.
"Jovetic is not yet 100%," Pellegrini said.
"And it's very important he starts 100 per cent in the Premier League so we will see on the day.
"But he worked normally with us."
Despite the manner of City's emphatic victory over Newcastle, Pellegrini does not think sides will start to fear his team this early in the season.
And the Chilean has told his City players to expect a tough match against the Welsh side who are playing their first Premier League match at the Cardiff City stadium.
"I don't think they will have fear of us," Pellegrini said.
"It is very important for us to play the way we are going to play.
"I don't think other teams fear us after one match, we can have that conclusion.
"The important thing is we started winning in our stadium and the second important thing is that we won the way I wanted.
"We know Cardiff are new to the Premier League this season but they have a very good team.
"This is the first game they play at home and it will be very difficult.
"It will be a very difficult game
"We are trying to play a way that I think is better for us.
"It is logical we must know a lot of things about Cardiff as well.
"We are going to play in their stadium and we must play excellent game without errors if we are to get another three points."
Pellegrini has allowed winger Scott Sinclair to join West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan while midfielder Denis Suarez has joined Barcelona's B team.
And the 59-year-old conceded he does not know if there will be any more departures from the club before the window shuts with Gareth Barry linked with a loan move to Everton.
"I don't know at the moment.
"I don't think so but I'm not sure," added Pellegrini.
"It's very important that both go and are playing.
"I spoke with Scott and Denis and they wanted to play more.
"Here with the squad we have it is difficult for them so I think it's the best option for them.
"With the rest I can't say anything at the moment."
