Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that captain Vincent Kompany's dismissal against Arsenal will create big problems for his injury-hit side.

The Belgian was controversially shown a red card by Mike Dean for what appeared to be a strong but fair challenge during City's 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The champions are already without injured duo Maicon and Micah Richards, while Kolo Toure is on duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Mancini is fully aware that his side are low in numbers at the back.

"We don't have options at this moment. We have only two defenders and both are left-footed," said Mancini. "We have big problems."

Asked if he would be buying anyone to plug the gap, he added: "I don't know."

City have made it clear that they intend to appeal Kompany's red card.

Written by
Matt Cotton