Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany admits he is having to be extra careful to ensure he does not suffer another injury setback.
The Belgian has been injured a ridiculous total of 34 times during his time at the Etihad, even prompting suggestions he may have to retire early.
Kompany featured in last week’s 1-1 draw with Everton, but then sat out the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League.
City could have really done with him in that game as they clearly lacked his leadership, but Pep Guardiola confirmed that the defender was not feeling 100%.
“I’ve had to make one commitment to the medical staff, which was that I’d be honest towards them with my feelings, and that I would listen to them when they made a decision,” Kompany told Sky Sports.
“I told them how I felt the day before the game and they made the decision for me. I wanted to play, of course, that wasn’t even in doubt, but I’ve just made this commitment to listen to them a little bit more.”
Even if he does put a run of games together now, Guardiola still cannot rely on him being fit, hence why he is instead hoping to build his team around John Stones at the back.
Yet, Stones was at fault for Southampton’s goal on Sunday, so it has to be said City are going to keep suffering until their skipper is back.
Kompany may be fit for Wednesday’s trip to Manchester United in the EFL Cup, but it seems unlikely he’ll be risked.
Check out Football Advisor for profitable betting predictions
