Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has targeted an FA Cup return for influential skipper Vincent Kompany, who is set to be missing again on Sunday.
The Belgian international is still battling with a calf injury damaged against Stoke City last month, and has missed the last five games including the draw with Liverpool and victory over Chelsea.
But while Mancini is yet to rule him out for the trip to Aston Villa, the Italian believes the FA cup quarter-final against Barnsley at the Etihad looks to be a more realistic comeback target.
“We hope for the FA Cup,” said Mancini.
“Vinny is getting better in this moment – we hope we can recover him for the next game.
“We will try for Aston Villa for Monday but it is difficult because he did not train with the team, he trained with the physio.
“The calf is a difficult injury because you think you are okay and then you have a problem.”
Roberto Mancini does have some positive news however, as it looks as though player Gareth Barry will be fit to return to face his former side.
Mancini said: “He has trained with the team the last two days and I think he will be ready.”
The defensive midfielder has missed two games because of an ankle injury he suffered in City’s 3-1 defeat to Southampton last month.
Barry’s and Kompany’s return will be seen as amajor boost for Manchester City, who are still to face Everton, Manchester United and Spurs in their remaining games of the season.
Image courtesy of Manchester City TV, via YouTube, with thanks.
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