Manchester City injury news: Vincent Kompany suffers recurrence of calf problem on Sunderland return

Manchester City suffered a massive blow in the race for the title as Vincent Kompany had to come off nine minutes into the game against Sunderland on 26 December. The defender came on as a second half substitute, but suffered a recurrence of his calf problem, for which he will have a scan on 27 December.

The Citizens have been at loss in defence since his injury, failing to keep a single clean sheet in the league with the likes of Eliaquim Mangala, Nicolas Otamendi and Martin Demichellis marshalling the back. In contrast, the eight games that Kompany played, they managed to keep seven clean sheets, conceding only one goal in the process.

Kompany's absence was sorely felt in their 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the league at the Emirates, where mistakes from both defenders led to goals from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud. Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping that the current setback is not as bad as feared and the Belgian will be available after the new year, as a series of important games are coming up.

The 29-year-old was crestfallen for not having played and revealed that he will do everything to get back to full fitness and help his team's title race. He took to Facebook to address fans with a heartwarming message that portrayed the latest setback.

"Today was a bad day for me. My body feels invincible - the best it's ever been - but i'm challenged by a number of small and local injuries. It leaves me more frustrated than with any of the 'big' injuries I've had but it's a challenge that I will overcome," Kompany wrote.

"There are worst things in life of course and I never forget that. So I'm definitely not asking anyone to feel sorry for me and I hope you wouldn't anyway. This is a way to communicate my situation to those who maybe deserve answers.

"I've made many sacrifices to get where I am today and football is everything to me. This is what I fought for so hard. I want to be the best defender in the world and I want Manchester City FC and Belgium to become the best club and country in world football. I won't give up that dream. Injuries have and still are preventing me to play my role the way i'd want to but it's not stopping me to progress. I will get on with it and when I do come back.. I will be stronger again.

"My mindset stays unchanged, I will fight to get what I deserve, my best years in football," he added.