Richard Dunne looks certain to miss Manchester City's trip to Bolton on Saturday even though a scan on his injured knee showed no lasting damage.

Dunne limped off midway through the second half of last weekend's win over Manchester United, sparking immediate fears of season-ending cruciate ligament damage.

Tests carried out this week have allayed those worries but the Republic of Ireland international is still struggling and, barring a miraculous recovery over the next 48 hours, will sit out the encounter with Sam Allardyce's men.

"We are not hopeful," admitted Pearce. "The scan showed nothing but while we need to look at him again, it does appear he will be unavailable for this weekend."

City are already without a potential replacement in David Sommeil, who is suspended, so England Under-21 international Nedum Onuoha is likely to be given the opportunity to partner skipper Sylvain Distin in central defence.