Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been ruled out of Saturday’s home Premier League match against Liverpool with a calf injury, his manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.
Kompany, who has been beset by fitness problems over the past few seasons, was injured while on duty with Belgium during the recent international break, but Guardiola said the centre back was not facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
“He has a little problem in his calf. I do not think he will be available tomorrow,” Guardiola told a news conference. “The last seven, eight, nine games last season, he played no problem.
“Pre-season, we took care of him and he played all three games. Now, unfortunately, we’ve lost him, but we will try and get him fit as soon as possible.”
Guardiola was also upbeat about City’s failure to sign a centre back during the recent transfer window, saying he had enough cover for the position in Eliaquim Mangala and 19-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo.
On a more positive note for the City manager, midfielder Ilkay Guendogan is available for selection against Liverpool after an extended layoff with a knee injury.
The Germany international was injured in December, but has returned to training with the first team in recent weeks.
Guardiola also shed light on City’s failed attempt to sign Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez, saying the deal fell through because he would not swap winger Raheem Sterling for the Chile international.
“Arsenal wanted to make a swap with Raheem. They talk to me and I said no chance. Zero chance,” Guardiola said.
“Sometimes deals happen, sometimes not. I don’t know what will happen in the winter time. (Sanchez) is an Arsenal player.”