Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirms Vincent Kompany is a major doubt for Liverpool clash

  • Vincent Kompany looks set to sit out Manchester City's game with Liverpool
  • Kompany suffered a calf problem while away on international duty with Belgium
  • Pep Guardiola has confirmed the setback after he sat out training on Thursday 
  • Guardiola refused to rule out a move for Alexis Sanchez in the January window 

Manchester City manager has confirmed that Vincent Kompany is unlikely to play against Liverpool on Saturday due to a calf problem.

Sportsmail reported on Thursday night that the central defender did not train at the City Football Academy after picking up a problem while away on international duty with Belgium. 

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: 'He played with Belgium, they won 9-0 and he had a problem with a calf. I don't think he'll be able to play tomorrow.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Vincent Kompany is unlikely to play against Liverpool 

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Vincent Kompany is unlikely to play against Liverpool 

Kompany has been plagued by injuries in recent years and his return has lasted three games

Kompany has been plagued by injuries in recent years and his return has lasted three games

'I am sad. The last seven eight, nine games last season he played no problem. Pre-season, we took care of him and he played all three games. Now, unfortunately, we've lost him, but we will try and get him fit as soon as possible. 


'The window is over. We thought maybe we would need another one but we have [Eliaquim] Mangala and Tosin [Adarabioyo] and other players who can play in that position.' 

City were close to signing Alexis Sanchez before the close of the transfer window, but the Chilean forward remains an Arsenal player for the time being.

Guardiola said of the transfer: 'Sometimes deals happen, sometimes not. I don't know what will happen in the winter time. He is an Arsenal player. 

The Manchester City boss may have to play four at the back as a result of Kompany's absence 

The Manchester City boss may have to play four at the back as a result of Kompany's absence 

City fell short in their late efforts to prise Alexis Sanchez away from Arsenal on deadline day 

City fell short in their late efforts to prise Alexis Sanchez away from Arsenal on deadline day 

Arsenal were keen to come to an agreement including Raheem Sterling but City were not keen

Arsenal were keen to come to an agreement including Raheem Sterling but City were not keen

'Arsenal wanted to make a swap with Raheem [Sterling]. They talk to me and I said no chance. Zero chance.' 

Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed that midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been training with the squad and is fit for selection this weekend.

'He has training with us for the last few weeks,' he said. 'He's part of the group.' 

Guardiola expects a strong challenge from his former Bundesliga foe, adding: 'Every time I play Jurgen's teams I learn a lot. Top manager, top club, top players. It will be a nice game tomorrow. 

'Liverpool with Manchester United are the most successful team in England. Even though they didn't win for a long time they are always challengers.'