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Vincent Kompany has dealt Manchester City another serious injury blow after it was revealed that the defender's thigh strain will keep him out of action for up to a month.
Kompany, who has already missed four weeks of the campaign with a groin injury picked up on the opening weekend of the season, limped out of Saturday's victory over Everton.
The City captain had scans on his left thigh on Monday and it was confirmed that he will miss Belgium's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Croatia and Wales.
Gutted: Vincent Kompany has only recently come back from injury and could now be sidelined for one month
But Belgium coach on Monday night Marc Wilmots revealed that the problem appears to be even worse, with Kompany facing another layoff of up to a month.
This is the latest in a series of setbacks for the 27-year-old who has also suffered calf and hamstring injuries in the last 12 months.
It is another blow for City boss Manuel Pellegrini, who has also seen his defence disrupted by injuries to Matija Nastasic, Martin Demichelis, Micah Richards and Gael Clichy.
Demichelis is almost fit after suffering knee ligament damage without even playing a game for City after joining from Atletico Madrid towards the end of the transfer window. Pellegrini said: 'It's too early to know if he will be ready after the international break, maybe he can be.'
Speaking from the Etihad on Saturday, Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman said: ''Forget the football for a minute, that's a dreadful blow for Kompany. The City skipper and the club's medical team do all they can to keep his muscle problems to a minimum but that's his second problem this season and his fourth in the last calendar year.
Dark horses? Belgium players, including Chelsea's Eden Hazard (below), are put through their paces in training
'That's simply too many for an athlete in his peak years and a big worry for him in World Cup year. Still a great game, here, by the way. Everton's intent is contributing to an end to and game. City shading it on chances, just.'
Kompany is now set to miss both of City's vital Champions League group ties with CSKA Moscow and the Premier League games against West Ham, Chelsea and Norwich, as well as the Capital One Cup trip to Newcastle.
As expected, Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke will not be selected against Croatia, but will face Wales, should Belgium still need a point.
Wilmots is still waiting to hear the outcome of injured Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini's appointment with a specialist in Manchester.
Glazer Vampires Ltd., Manchester, United Kingdom, 55 minutes ago
He missed a good few games last season, he needs to adjust his style a bit he puts everything into every tackle... whether its a vital one or not. Good luck to Vinnie, i hope he can return soon and remain fit. Its upto Nasty to pick up the slack now.