Manuel Pellegrini challenges his Manchester City players

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has asked his side to rise to the challenge ahead of an "important week" for the club.

City host Sunderland on Wednesday, before an FA Cup tie with Chelsea on Saturday is followed up by the first leg of their Champions League clash with Barcelona.

"I think it's an important week in three competitions and we're not in our best form," Pellegrini told reporters.

"We have a big amount of players [out injured] and we must play FA Cup and Champions League too, we'll see what happens, but we hope we return to our normal performance.

"I think the character of the squad from now until the end of the season will be tested, and a team that is strong minded will win."

City are currently third in the Premier League.