Football
ESPN staff 8y

Vincent Kompany won't be rushed back by Man City - Pep Guardiola

BEIJING, CHINA -- Pep Guardiola says it's important that Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany makes a full recovery rather than being rushed back into action.

Kompany, 30, has been dogged by persistent muscle injuries that have forced him to miss large chunks of City's recent campaigns and he has suffered 33 separate setbacks during his eight years at the club.

Asked if there was a chance that Kompany could be ready for the Premier League opener against Sunderland on Aug. 13, Guardiola told a news conference: "That's not the important thing. What happened with Vincent Kompany the last two years -- it was so difficult for him and the team.

"The important thing is not when he's coming back, it's to be fit and ready to show he can play one week and one week more, that he can play regularly -- especially that he can train every day. Then we will see again the best Vincent Kompany.

"The most important thing is not to be back as soon as possible. Forget about it. The most important thing is when the doctors and physios say he's already fit. If it's Sunderland, perfect. Start of the Champions League, perfect. If not, September."

Last season, the defender suffered five different injuries, and started just 20 games for City. He also missed Euro 2016 with Belgium after suffering a groin strain during City's Champions League semifinal defeat to Real Madrid in May.

That injury was expected to force Kompany to miss the start of the season and he trained alone in Beijing on Sunday before watching his teammates work out in front of fans and the media ahead of City's preseason friendly with Manchester United.

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