Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly concerned by Vincent Kompany's inability to shake off a troublesome injury and is beginning to lose patience with his crocked skipper.
The Belgium international has suffered from a string of calf and shin problems over recent seasons, playing 22 times in all last term and just four times so far this time around.
Kompany was unable to play a full part on just his second start of the season in midweek when picked to play against Manchester United, as he failed to resurface for the second half due to "tiredness".
According to The Telegraph, the 30-year-old now faces a battle in trying to persuade his manager that he can still play a part for City, which also includes improving his tactical awareness, having been restricted to 214 minutes overall this season.
Asked to comment on the speculation over Kompany's future, Guardiola told reporters on Friday afternoon: "He has a contract. So of course [he has a future here]. He was injured many times. We're trying to give him faith to play."
Kompany signed for City from Hamburger SV in August 2008 and is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2019.
Daniel Lewis
