Manchester City outcast could still have future, says Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted captain Vincent Kompany could still have a future at the club despite being plagued by injuries in recent years.

Injuries have limited Kompany’s availability all season and Guardiola is still expected to strengthen defensively in the summer, raising huge questions over his long-term future at the club.

The Belgium international’s current deal isn’t due to expire until 2019 and the City manager has revealed the centre-back could see that out at the club rather than be sold this summer.

“Yes, he has a contract,” The Sun quote as Guardiola saying when asked if Kompany would still be at the club next season. “He can do that hopefully [play twice a week] and in the next period, in the future. He can do that.

“But after the game against Chelsea he reacted to that, had problems with the leg, and we didn’t want to take a risk.

“But of course the good news was he could play 90 minutes, a tough game at Stamford Bridge and he played at a high, high level. What we have seen these two or three days, he’s ready for the next game.”

Kompany has only started three Premier League games this season and you’d imagine he would need to play a sizeable portion in the remaining games of the season to really convince Guardiola of his worth to the squad next season.

However, City have actually fared okay in his absence, although an experienced defender like Kompany would be ideal in bringing the best from John Stones. However, City have won 61% of their Premier League matches without Kompany in the starting XI this season, compared to just one of the three games he has started.

For more stats on Vincent Kompany, click here to visit his WhoScored player page