Manchester City boosted as Kompany returns to training

Feb 6, 2013 3:50:00 PM

The club captain is making a faster recovery than expected after suffering a calf problem in the FA Cup tie against Stoke City which has kept him out of the last two games

EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart

Manchester City have been given a huge boost as captain Vincent Kompany is ahead of schedule in his comeback from a calf injury and could even return for Saturday’s clash at Southampton.

Goal.com understands the Belgian defender has returned to light training today and will assess his fitness with City staff with a view to hastening his recovery.


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City manager Roberto Mancini expressed his fear last week that Kompany could be out for three more weeks with the calf strain suffered during the FA Cup fourth round win at Stoke last month.

The 26-year-old has missed City’s last two matches - draws against QPR and Liverpool - and had been pencilled in for a return in the FA Cup fifth round clash against Leeds on February 17.

But Kompany has made rapid progress and sources believe there is an ‘outside chance’ he could be fit for this weekend’s trip to Southampton.

The club will focus on managing the pain this week before deciding whether he can feature at St Mary’s, as the club look to bridge the nine point gap to leaders Manchester United in the Premier League.

Kompany has endured calf problems in the past and suffered the injury three times last season - but he has a history of shaking off injuries more quickly than expected.

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