Kompany a doubt for Tyneside trip

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is facing a race against time to be ready for Saturday's visit to Newcastle United.

Kompany tweaked a groin muscle which forced him to be substituted in the first half of Sunday's derby defeat to Manchester United.

The influential Belgian has had a scan which has shown he has suffered no serious tear but he has been resting up this week.

Kompany is expected to return to City's Carrington training HQ on Thursday and will be put through his paces by the club's medical staff.

City could certainly do with his defensive capabilities when they travel to St James' Park to take on the Magpies, and a decision will be taken on Friday. Roberto Mancini's side, 2/1 to retain their Premier League title this season, can be backed at 4/6 to win at Newcastle.

Kolo Toure, who proved a capable understudy against United, may get the nod ahead of Joleon Lescott, should Kompany fail to make the cut.

Boss Mancini is concerned that having Lescott alongside Majita Nastasic, who is also left footed, will leave the Blues more exposed at the back.

City also a doubt over Samir Nasri, who has been a mystery absence during the week, having come in for fierce criticism after his decision to duck in the wall contributed to United's stoppage-time winner.

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