Manchester City boost with defensive rock Vincent Kompany in line for midweek return against WBA

VINCENT KOMPANY could make his return as early as next week.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had feared he may have lost his skipper and central defensive rock for at least a month.

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Kompany missed the victories over Liverpool and Feyenoord with a calf problem picked up on international duty with Belgium.

And Guardiola had come under fire for failing to sign another centre back as cover during the transfer window.

But Pep, as he looked forward to Saturday’s clash at Watford, revealed: “Vinny has come back and trained with us.

“I think in the next days he will be able to play again.”

Kompany could make his comeback in the midweek League Cup visit to West Brom.

Meanwhile, Yaya Toure remains very much part of Guardiola’s thinking.

The Ivorian veteran has yet to play a competitive minute this season.

He was also missing entirely from the Etihad squad for the last two games.

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But Guardiola, who surprised many by giving Toure, 34, another year’s deal, insists there is nothing sinister going on.

He says of the midfielder: “I need him. We need him.

“He was so important last season.

“He'll be so important this season.

“I admire him. What he's done in his career is exceptional.”

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Other than Kompany, Guardiola can count on the rest of his squad and is planning to rotate his players for the trip to Vicarage Road.