2 players that should have left Manchester City in January

Vincent Kompany

He was the player that held the Manchester City backline together for many years, yet Vincent Kompany’s persistent injury issues look set to blight his career.

The Belgian international has been restricted to just 28 appearances over the last two seasons, of which only six have come this season under new manager Guardiola.

Every time Kompany looks set to return to the side, he is dealt another injury blow, exemplified when he lasted just 37 minutes on his return to action in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace back in November.

And, with John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi, and Aleksandar Kolarov seemingly in front of him in the pecking order, there’s no guarantee that, even if Kompany were to return to full fitness, that he’d be a reliable option for Guardiola.

The City boss said last month that he’s not sure if he’ll ever get back to his very best, which suggests that he himself has reservations about Kompany’s future at the club.

Thus, a loan spell away from the Etihad may have been beneficial for the centre-back as he looks to build up his fitness once again, especially if Guardiola can’t offer him regular minutes at City.