West Brom v Manchester City: Manuel Pellegrini confirms captain Vincent Kompany is back in the reckoning after thigh injury recovery
Kompany has been out of action for 10 weeks but could return to lead City as they attempt to replicate their home form on their travels
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Captain Vincent Kompany is poised to return to action in Manchester City's midweek Barclays Premier League clash at West Brom.
The influential centre-back has missed City's last 10 games after suffering a thigh injury two months ago.
The Belgian has been back in full training for the past week and will be considered for the trip to The Hawthorns.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini said: "Kompany is in the squad list and he is travelling with the team."
Kompany has been sorely missed throughout his absence, with the defence looking vulnerable and the team suffering damaging defeats at Chelsea and Sunderland.
Some of those deficiencies have been masked by City's attacking brilliance during that spell and Pellegrini has downplayed them, but the skipper will be welcomed back.
Pellegrini said: "I think Vincent is a very important player. He is a very good defender and of course we need him.
"On the other side, in the last five (domestic) games just Sunderland have scored one goal (against us). In all the others we have had clean sheets.
"So the other defenders can do it as well, but Vincent is always an important player."
Kompany's possible return is timely with fellow centre-back Matija Nastasic currently ruled out with a calf problem.
The other players still sidelined are playmaker David Silva and striker Stevan Jovetic.
The West Brom clash will be the first test of City's indifferent away form since the Sunderland loss on November 10.
In contrast to their 100 per cent home record - which features 7-0 and 6-0 thrashings of Norwich and Tottenham respectively in the past month - City's away performances have threatened to undermine their title challenge.
Pellegrini's men have lost four of their six league games on the road but the Chilean continues to insist the approach for all games will remain the same.
He said: "It is very important especially this week.
"We play two games away before we play against Arsenal here at home so I hope we will be the same team we are here in those two games this week."
City have declined to comment on a report they have struck a deal potentially worth up to £2.4million for 14-year-old Malaga player Brahim Abdelkader Diaz.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments