Kompany Warns Manchester United he is in Perfect Condition for Derby

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is in "perfect condition" ahead of the first Manchester Derby of the season on Sunday.

The Belgian international suffered a groin injury on the first day of the season in City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United in August but completed his return to the first team fold as he led his side to a 3-0 win of Vikoria Plzen in their Champions League opener.

The skipper's timely return will provide some much needed respite for manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is still without Micah Richards and summer signing Martin Demichelis as options at centre half.

"I was probably more happy than anyone else to be on the pitch," Kompany said, ESPN report.

"It feels great. I am really happy to be back with the guys and I work hard every single day to make sure I can play as many games as possible.

"I am also very thankful to the medical staff that gave me such good attention and allowed me to come back in perfect condition.

"I felt in incredible form when I left the team and I have come back in feeling in the same form and that is the most important."

Kompany's name was in the headlines on both occasions following last season's titanic derbies between the Manchester giants.

The 27-year-old was forced to limp off just 20 minutes into the clash at the Etihad Stadium last December as United went on to secure a dramatic 3-2 win.

Five months later the skipper scored an own goal at Old Trafford to level things up after his side had taken the lead, until a late winner from Sergio Aguero ensured Kompany's blushes were spared.

The 27-year-old was also shown a controversial red card just 12 minutes into an FA Cup clash in January 2012 as United proceeded to edge another exhilarating encounter.

But the centre half would take his revenge by scoring the goal that gave City a 1-0 win over their rivals towards the end of that victorious 2011/12 campaign, a win that saw his side take control in the Premier League title race.

Fully recovered from his injury setback, Kompany is relishing another colossal battle with his club's arch rivals.

"We will make sure we are in the right condition for the game," Kompany added.

"It is a special game. It is becoming one of the most sought after fixtures in the world and it is always great to be involved in such games. I never take them for granted. "