Vincent Kompany return delayed as Man City boss Pep Guardiola claims his captain has too many toxins in blood
The Belgium defender, 30, missed Euro 2016 due to a thigh problem but is inching closer to a return
VINCENT KOMPANY has seen his Manchester City return delayed after Pep Guardiola revealed he has too many 'toxins' in his blood.
After City's Manchester derby victory, Guardiola appeared to suggest that the medical discovery could be the reason behind the Belgian defender's horror run of injuries - having picked up 13 injuries in the last three seasons.
Kompany, 30, picked up the injury in the Champions League semi-final second-leg defeat my Real Madrid last season.
And it caused him to miss Belgium's Euro 2016 campaign as well as the opening month of the current domestic campaign.
Guardiola wants to give himself the best chance of keeping the City skipper free of injuries and says he will not rush Kompany back.
The City boss said: "It's a doctor issue. 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."
Summer signing Ilkay Gundogan is also closing on a comeback from knee surgery and could make his debut in City's opening Champions League clash of the season against Borussia Monchengladbach tomorrow.
Guardiola added: “We cannot win the title without all the players.
“I'm looking forward to Vincent, Gundogan coming back.
"I prefer to come 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."