Monday 12 September 2016 06:59, UK
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he is looking forward to having club captain Vincent Kompany available following a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
City were without Kompany and new summer signing Ilkay Gundogan for Saturday's 2-1 derby victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, while Sergio Aguero was suspended for the game.
However, both Kompany and Gundogan are nearing full fitness and Guardiola is relishing the prospect of having an even fuller squad to choose from in the coming weeks.
"We cannot win titles and so on without all the players. So I'm looking forward to Vincent and Gundogan coming back, because we need them all," he said.
"I would prefer to come to Old Trafford with all of the key players, believe me."
Kompany has been out of action since suffering a groin injury against Real Madrid in the Champions League in May.
The Belgium international has struggled with numerous injuries throughout his career at the Etihad, but Guardiola believes City's medical staff may have final found a solution to the defender's fitness problems.
"He has something in his muscle and we believe that was a problem for the many injuries," Guardiola said.
"I think it's the last part of that because he's training with the group. And when I see him, I say 'wow - this guy can play' because he's training like Vincent is.
"But the doctor said with what happened in the past, we have to be careful."
City host Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday in what is their opening Champions League fixture of the season.
And, despite starting the domestic campaign with four wins from four, Guardiola insists his side will have to improve if they are to compete in Europe.
"Until now, in the Premier League it has been okay," Guardiola said. "But to compete against the best clubs in Europe, in this moment with the way we are playing, we are not able to.
"We have played part of most of the games at a high level, and of course we have to continue. If you ask me whether we are ready to compete in Europe, we are not ready. We create, but in front we need more.
"But it is just two months together, so we have time to get better."
