Kompany closing in on return from injury

VINCENT KOMPANY could be back in training next week, Pep Guardiola has revealed.

The central defender has not played for City since picking up a calf injury on international duty with Belgium on August 31.

Kompany has seen Guardiola’s preferred specialist, Ramon Cugat in Spain, and the diagnosis was good.

‘His injury is much better,’ said Guardiola, whose side go to West Bromwich today. ‘Next week, maybe 10 days, he is coming back.’

The 31-year-old should be back for the clash at Leicester on November 18, following the international break.

Guardiola also heaped praise on young City midfielder Phil Foden, who has starred for England at the Under 17 World Cup in India.

‘We had the opportunity for him to stay here with us and maybe play against Wolves (in the Carabao Cup),’ said City’s boss. ‘But when these guys have the opportunity to play a World Cup against Brazil, Spain, Italy, it is an amazing opportunity to see the high level of their age in a big competition. It will be really good for their growth.

‘The problem in England is that the second-team competition is not so high. The gap to the next level is big.’