KutieLines

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that captain Vincent Kompany will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury. Kompany lasted just 35 minutes on his latest return from injury against Crystal Palace last weekend before being forced off with blurred vision having collided with goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. However, Guardiola revealed earlier this week that the Belgian had sustained a separate knee injury too, and the Spaniard has now confirmed that it will keep his captain out for at least a month. The 30-year-old has been limited to just 115 minutes of Premier League action so far this season having once again been dogged by injuries. Kompany’s latest absence could see him miss the entire festive period, including games against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. It leaves City with just two out-and-out center backs — John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi — for a busy next month, although Guardiola suggested he would not be dipping into the transfer mark...

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has talked up the possibility of Tottenham Hotspur launching another title challenge this season. Chelsea currently lead the way in the Premier League thanks to a run of six wins in a row, but they will come up against the only remaining unbeaten side in the division when they host Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Conte is wary of the threat posed by Spurs and insisted that his side will need to be on top form if they are to overcome Mauricio Pochettino’s men. “Tomorrow will be very tough against a strong opponent,” he told reporters. “Tottenham has a great manager, talented players, very young, and I think they are improving. We have to pay great attention to them. “Tottenham can create great difficulty for any team in this league, and can fight until the end to win the title.” Chelsea ended Tottenham’s hopes of winning the Premier League title in the corresponding fixture last season.