Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that David Silva has been forced to play with an ankle complaint in recent weeks.

Along with the likes of Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero, 28-year-old Silva has been credited as one of the major factors as to why City are in contention for the Premier League title this season.

However, Pellegrini has revealed that an injury has at times prevented the Spanish international from taking part in training.

"He's playing very well and it's with double merit because he's playing with his ankle that he has to stop two or three days during the week," the Chilean boss told reporters.

"It is very important at the end of the season to have high individual performances and he is one of our players who is in a very good moment."

Silva has scored seven goals for the Citizens this season.