Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals captain Vincent Kompany could be back training next week

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Vincent Kompany could be back in training next week, Pep Guardiola has revealed.

The influential centre-half has not played for City since picking up a calf injury on international duty with Belgium on August 31. Guardiola's table toppers have not missed their captain, but his return will be welcome.

And speaking ahead of Saturday's visit to West Bromwich Albion, the City manager said Kompany had seen his preferred specialist Ramon Kugat, in Spain, and the diagnosis was good. 'His injury is much better,' Guradiola said.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed Vincent Kompany could train next week

Guardiola's table toppers have not missed their captain, but his return will be welcome

'Next week, maybe 10 days, he is coming back.' Should that be the case, Kompany will miss the trip to the Hawthorns, the Champions League journey to Napoli and presumably the Bonfire Night visit of Arsenal. 

The 31-year-old should, however, be back for the clash at Leicester City on November 18, following the international break. 

Guardiola also played down suggestions that his side could go through a season unbeaten. 'Forget about it,' he said when asked. 

Kompany has not played for City since picking up a calf injury on duty with Belgium

Guardiola also played down suggestions that his side could go through a season unbeaten

Guardiola did heap praise on England Under 17 star Phil Foden and revealed he gave him his blessing to go to the World Cup, where he has been in superb form and will play for England in Saturday's final. 

'He asked me because we had the opportunity for him to stay here with us and maybe play against Wolves (in the Carabao Cup) but we believe that when these guys have the opportunity to play a World Cup against Brazil, Spain, Italy in India, for them it is an amazing opportunity to see the high level of their age in a big competition. It will be really good for their growth.' 

Foden who is part of a City trio in the squad, will face Spain and Guardiola thinks their progress will benefit the nation's game. 'It's good for English football,' he said. 

Guardiola also heaped praise on City midfielder and England Under 17 star Phil Foden

'I think they made the final of the previous tournament and are getting used to making them. That is fantastic. Big congratulations to the team. 

'The final will not be easy against Spain - they've dominated football in all categories - but it's good. We will try to watch it of course.'

Guardiola did, however, criticise the Premier League's second tier competition and its impact on developing youngsters.

'The problem in England, and I have said this many times, is that the second team competition is not so high,' he explained. 'The gap to the next level is big.'