Vincent Kompany Resurfaces as an Injury Doubt

After earlier reports that he was likely to be fit, The Guardian is reporting that Vincent Kompany is again an injury doubt for the champions.

Vincent Kompany gives Manchester City fresh injury scare | Football | The Guardian

Vincent Kompany, the Manchester City captain, is a major doubt for Reading's visit on Saturday and is the latest defensive problem faced by Roberto Mancini as he prepares for the busy festive programme.

The manager is concerned he could be without his captain for more than just the Reading game as he contemplates an ever lengthening list of players who will potentially miss matches because of injury and international commitments just as the Italian attempts to bridge the six point gap to Manchester United, the leaders.

The availability of Samir Nasri and Mario Balotelli is also in the balance while Micah Richards is a long-term absentee... Aleksandar Kolarov's recovery from a hip injury is unclear after he had to be replaced at Newcastle United on Saturday. Jack Rodwell, a fringe member of the squad, is out until the new year, while James Milner has picked up a hamstring injury and is also an injury concern.

The City squad starts to pick itself with that list of absentees, and there are potential fantasy bargains to be had.

In defence, we're looking at Pablo Zabaleta on the right as he's the most solid defender there. Matija Nastasic would be partnered by Kolo Toure, who seems to have leap-frogged Joleon Lescott in the pecking order, and Gael Clichy on the left.

In midfield, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure would be flanked by Scott Sinclair and David Silva. Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez would then lead the attack.

There could be some permutations of this, with Javi Garcia retaining his place and pushing Yaya Toure further forward into a attacking support role. But that seems unlikely with Reading the opposition. Also, we could see Maicon at right-midfield, moving Silva to the left side and Sinclair to the bench.

It's still a bit of a guessing game -- and watch Lescott start over Kolo Toure -- hell... now I've gone an confused myself! When I started the post I was certain I knew what would happen. Now... not so much. I want as much Manchester City in my fantasy team as I can afford, but am nervous about picking starters. Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow, or at the very least I'll feel a little less overwhelmed by what are really just a few options for Roberto Mancini.