• International football

Kompany may feature for Belgium

ESPN staff
March 19, 2013
Vincent Kompany has not played for Manchester City since January © Getty Images
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Defender Vincent Kompany could play in Belgium's World Cup-qualifying double-header against Macedonia despite the concerns of his club, Manchester City.

City, the defending Premier League champions, have been without their skipper since January because of a calf problem.

But Belgium said national captain Kompany, 26, could play in both games, although they stressed that no decision had yet been made.

Assistant head coach Vital Borkelmans told Sky Sports News: "Vincent is now training with the physical coach. He also trained very hard at City.

"He is very important for the group, and we are happy he is here. We will make a decision on Wednesday or Thursday whether he can play or not."

Borkelmans said the Belgium staff were in contact with their counterparts at the Etihad Stadium, but added: "Vincent is very important to us. He is the captain of the team."

City manager Roberto Mancini, who has seen his side's title defence fall away - they now trail rivals United by 15 points - had been unwilling to risk Kompany for Saturday's game against Everton, which they lost 2-0.

Speaking before the Goodison Park setback, he had said: "We don't want to take a risk at this moment because we have one game and then it is the international break, so it's best he is recovering.

"The calf is a dangerous injury. If you don't recover very well then you can have a problem for four, five or six weeks in a row."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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