The Argentinian broke his nose in an accidental collision in last weekend's 2-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Portsmouth. Zabaleta will undergo surgery and is expected to have a splint fitted, but he should be able to rejoin his team-mates in training this week.
Fellow defender Vincent Kompany is likely to be out for two weeks with a groin strain but new signing Patrick Vieira could make his debut at the KC Stadium after overcoming a calf injury.
Source: PA
Source: PA