Pellegrini will soon have options at right-back as well, with Micah Richards on the verge of a return to action after missing City's first two games of the season with a hamstring problem.
Richards wrote on his Twitter page: "Hamstring feeling much better hopefully train friday!"
The 25-year-old endured an injury-hit season last year, when he was limited to seven Premier League games because of ankle and knee problems.
But while Richards will not be available for Saturday's home match against Hull City, he should be in contention to feature after September's international break.