Kompany injury a huge blow for Blues

MANCHESTER City were left counting the cost of progress after their qualification for the Champions League quarter–finals was marred by another injury to Vincent Kompany.

The calf problems that have bedevilled City’s inspirational captain flared up yet again early in the dull goalless draw with Dynamo Kiev that guaranteed the club its first last–eight place.

The Belgian star was immediately ruled out for at least a month, dealing a big blow to City’s hopes ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester United.

Kompany lasted just six minutes of the last–16 second leg against Kiev before limping off with his 13th calf injury since the start of the 2011–12 season and his fourth this term.

To compound problems, fellow centre–back Nicolas Otamendi also hobbled off with a dead leg, but their team–mates fared well enough without them to ensure last month’s 3–1 win in Ukraine was enough go through.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini said: “Vincent again has a muscle injury in his calf, the same problem he had before. We will soon know how important it is, but always a muscle injury is a minimum of a month.

The news on Otamendi was at least more positive: City are hopeful the Argentinian could even be back at the weekend.