Vincent Kompany moves closer to Manchester City comeback

Manuel Pellegrini is hopeful that Vincent Kompany can return for Manchester City's trip to Chelsea on Saturday following a knee injury.

Kompany failed a late fitness test before Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain that took City into the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win.

In the captain's absence Nicolas Otamendi partnered Eliaquim Mangala impressively as the French champions were beaten and City reached the semi-final stage for the first time in the club's history.

Pellegrini, though, said he is keen for his captain to return as soon as possible. “We will see on Wednesday and during the week the way he improves. I hope Vincent can play on Saturday or Tuesday [at Newcastle United].

“Now we have to play three games for the Premier League. It is very important to try and qualify for the Champions League next year. We will see in which game Vincent will return.”

Guardian services