Kompany set to defy Pellegrini orders, play for Belgium
Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany is set to rile boss Manuel Pellegrini and play for Belgium against Israel on Tuesday night.
Pellegrini allowed the central defender join up with Belgium 10 days ago, but made it clear that Kompany should not play after missing the last five City games with a calf problem.
However, Belgium boss Marc Wilmots is prepared to incur the wrath of Pellegrini despite Belgium having nothing to play after booking their place at Euro 2016 by beating Andorra 4-1 on Saturday.
Wilmots claims Kompany feels he is fit and revealed that City have not been in contact with the federation over his inclusion.
“I think he’s good right now. We will decide together if he can play, but I think it will be alright. I don’t see any problem if he feels OK,” said Wilmots.
“There’s been no contact with Manchester City. They know anyway all about the team here and what I do with Belgium.
“I select the players, and from the beginning this player said the second game [of the two qualifiers] will be alright.
“He’s been working with the rest of the squad since Friday, and that’s good for Manchester City and good for Belgium.
“There’s one more practice before the match – Vincent has to prove he’s okay to play, then I have a choice to make.”
Pellegrini has acknowledged that he is powerless to stop Belgium from picking Kompany to play, but after the injuries picked up by Sergio Aguero and David Silva on international duty, the Chilean is sure to be angered by Wilmots’ decision to ‘risk’ the 29-year-old.
“Vincent Kompany has participated fully in training and without any problems. He has worked hard in training and knows his own body well,” added Wilmots.
“I’ve not been in contact with Man City myself but the club are kept up to date with developments. I think it will be good for Man City if Kompany gets some match time.”
