Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has given hope to fans that he will make an early return from injury in time for the first derby of the season on September 22.
The Belgian was ruled out for at least a month on August 23 with a groin injury suffered in City’s first game of the season, and will miss the team’s next international match on Friday September 6.
However the mercurial captain is hopeful of playing in his side’s opening Champions League fixture on either September 17 or 18.
Kompany told the club’s official website: “I may miss the internationals but I hope to be back after that.
“There is a protocol to follow with any injury and there is a time scale that goes with that. If I follow that schedule, I know when I’ll be back in a certain amount of weeks and possibly sooner.”
The 27-year-old missed the 3-2 defeat away to Cardiff City last weekend which manager Manuel Pellegrini blamed on his side’s inability to defend set pieces.
Manchester City look set to press ahead with further defensive acquisitions in spite of this optimistic news, and have been linked recently with moves for Martín Demichelis and Adil Rami, of Athlético Madrid and Valencia respectively.
When asked about any potential new faces at the Etihad, Kompany replied: “Maybe we will – I haven’t kept in touch with any speculation so I’m not sure but with a few days to go I’m sure it is a possibility as it is at any club of this size.”
Manchester City will learn who their Champions League opponents will be at the draw for the Group Stages in Monaco tomorrow.
Image courtesy of Roger Goraczniak, with thanks.
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