Kompany out 4 months after surgery, says Belgium doctor

Vincent Kompany won't be ready in time for Pep Guardiola's first games in charge of Manchester City, according to Belgium's national team physiotherapist.

The City captain injured his thigh and groin just nine minutes into his club's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid earlier this week, and he flew to Barcelona to undergo surgery. Kompany then confirmed in a Facebook statement Saturday he'll miss Euro 2016 as a result.

The timetable for his return, however, is closer to four months. "But he will back," said Belgian doctor Lieven Maesschalck.

A rehabilitation programme of that extent would rule out Kompany until September.

There were questions as to whether Guardiola would keep the long-time City servant, who arrived at the Etihad in 2008. The Spaniard is reportedly considering an overhaul in the defence, although there are indications the City hierarchy values Kompany's experience, leadership, and loyalty too much to let him go.

The 30-year-old suffered predominantly from a calf problem during the 2015-16 campaign.