Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany in race against time to be fit

Andy Hampson 06:16 03/12/2014
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  • Formidable presence: Manchester City look a stronger side when Vincent Kompany plays

    Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is facing a race against time to be fit for his side’s decisive Champions League clash against Roma next week.

    Coach Manuel Pellegrini has revealed the influential centre-back will definitely miss tonight’s trip to Sunderland and the home
    game against Everton on Saturday with the hamstring injury he sustained at the weekend.

    his absence could make him doubtful for next Wednesday’s crucial final Group E game in Rome, when City’s Champions League fate will be determined.

    “It’s very difficult because I cannot say without the opinion of the doctor how his injury will improve in the next
    days,” he said.

    “It depends what degree of muscle injury he has. It’s very difficult to know in this moment if he can play against Rome.

    “He is not able to play against Sunderland or against Everton, that’s sure. We’ll see if he arrives against Roma. That will depend on the opinion of the doctor.”

    Kompany was injured in the closing minutes of the 3-0 Premier League win at Southampton on Sunday. The 28-year-old’s condition is a concern for the club given his importance to the team.

    He has had a number of spells out with muscle injuries in recent seasons and his absence is often keenly felt. This was evidenced last month when the Belgian missed the game at QPR with a calf problem and the  team could only manage a 2-2 draw against the struggling Londoners.

    Pellegrini will be anxious for him to recover in time to travel to the Italian capital, with City needing a positive result to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

    In the immediate short-term, his absence creates further problems as fellow centre-back Eliaquim Mangala is suspended. With Matija Nastasic also injured, fringe player Dedryck Boyata or right-back Bacary Sagna could fill in.

    Sunderland’s recent upturn in fortunes has coincided with the promotion of goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, who moved on a free
    transfer from City in the summer.

    Pantilimon, who pushed City’s regular No1 Joe Hart to the limit last season, has excelled with two consecutive clean sheets.

    “I think Costel had a great season last season over there – he proved he can play at that level so we are lucky to have him here,” coach Gus Poyet said.

    “He’s come in and got clean sheets with the help of the rest of the players and let’s hope he can maintain it.”

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