Manchester City news: Pep Guardiola delays Vincent Kompany return over ‘toxins’ in defender’s blood

City captain Kompany has been sidelined since suffering groin and thigh injuries during the Champions League semi-final in May

Kompany in training with City last season (Getty)

Pep Guardiola has revealed he is delaying Vincent Kompany’s return to action for Manchester City due to advice from the club’s medical staff over ‘toxins’ in the Belgian defender’s blood.

City captain Kompany has been sidelined since suffering groin and thigh injuries during the Champions League semi-final second-leg against Real Madrid in Spain in May.

The 30-year-old underwent surgery prior to the end of last season which forced him to miss Euro 2016, but he has since returned to training at City and has impressed Guardiola with his performances on the training ground.

But with City preparing for their Champions League opener against Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday following the 2-1 derby victory at Manchester United at the weekend, Guardiola admits he is being extra cautious with Kompany in order to avoid the injury-cursed centre-half suffering new setbacks.

"It's a doctor issue,” Guardiola said. “He has something in his muscle and we believe that was a problem for the many injuries last season.

“He's getting better, but he has a little bit toxic (in his blood). That's why you have to be a little careful.

“I think it's the last part of that because he is training with the group. When I see him, I say, this guy can play, because he's training like Vincent is.

“But the doctor said, with what happened in the past, we have to be careful."

City claimed victory at Old Trafford with the likes of the suspended Sergio Aguero and injured Ilkay Gundogan joining Kompany on the sidelines.

And Guardiola admits City cannot thrive for too long with their senior players unavailable to him.

“We cannot win the title without all the players,” he said. “I'm looking forward to Vincent, Gundogan coming back.

"I prefer to come here to Old Trafford with all of the key players, believe me.

“Now, the important game is next Tuesday, for us. Really, really important game. We want to go through in the Champions League."