Vincent Kompany injury: Manchester City captain's return lasts just nine minutes after fresh knee injury

Kompamny has not played since the start of November and was forced off just nine minutes after coming on in the match with Sunderland

Vincent Kompany's Manchester City return lasted just nine minutes (Getty Images)

Vincent Kompany’s return for Manchester City lasted just nine minutes after the captain had to be substituted due to a knee injury.

Kompany was named on the substitutes’ bench for the Boxing Day Premier League clash with Sunderland, but his absence for once was not felt as quick-fire goals from Raheem Sterling, Yaya Toure and Wilfried gave City a 3-0 lead.

It was soon extended when Kevin De Bruyne found the back of the net, and after seeing Sunderland pull one back through Fabio Borini, City manager Manuel Pellegrini elected to send Kompany on in place of Nicolas Otamendi after 62 minutes for his first appearance since the start of November.

However, Kompany landed awkwardly after jumping for a header, and City fans looked on in despair when he hobbled off, his return lasting just nine minutes as Martin Demichelis replaced the Belgian.

City’s Twitter account soon confirmed that the centre-back had suffered a knee injury.

“Replays show Kompany appears to fall awkwardly on his right knee. We'll update you on his condition asap after the game,” it read.

Kompany later posted an emotional message on Facebook, lamenting a "bad day".

"Today was a bad day for me," he wrote.

"My body feels invincible - the best it's ever been - but i'm challenged by a number of small and local injuries. It leaves me more frustrated than with any of the 'big' injuries I've had but it's a challenge that I will overcome.

"There are worst things in life of course and I never forget that. So I'm definitely not asking anyone to feel sorry for me and I hope you wouldn't anyway. This is a way to communicate my situation to those who maybe deserve answers.

"I've made many sacrifices to get where I am today and football is everything to me. This is what I fought for so hard. I want to be the best defender in the world and I want Manchester City FC and Belgium to become the best club and country in world football. I won't give up that dream. Injuries have and still are preventing me to play my role the way i'd want to but it's not stopping me to progress. I will get on with it and when I do come back.. I will be stronger again.

"My mindset stays unchanged, I will fight to get what I deserve, my best years in football.

"Lots of love to all of those who support me.

"I wish you all the very best for 2016. Let's all together make next year, a wonderful year."