Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that Eliaquim Mangala will face a battle to earn a regular spot in the team this season.

Mangala has not yet made his debut following a £32m to the club from Porto in the summer, and Pellegrini has warned the French defender that he is not guaranteed to edge out Martin Demichelis for the right to partner Vincent Kompany.

"We need the three of them," the Chilean told reporters. "Like I have said about the strikers, it's the same with the defenders.

"We have so many games to play. At the moment Demichelis and Kompany are playing well, but that doesn't mean Mangala can't play.

"He will have his time to play, and then it depends on performances."

Mangala could make his first appearance against Arsenal next Saturday.