Vincent Kompany last night confirmed he will miss this summer’s Euro 2016 following his latest injury set-back.


The skipper has been plagued all season with a series of muscle problems and he took to Facebook to announce he won’t be fit to lead Belgium and also explained he will continue to battle to find a way back to full fitness.

Quoted in the Telegraph, Kompany said: “I’ll miss the Euros. To me that’s very sad news.

“So I could be standing here, feeling sorry for myself. I could fear for my career, as others may do. I could give up...That is not me.

“So I remain calm and positive. I will continue to follow my path and I will do so with more conviction than ever.

“I trust my friends and teammates to do well and do us proud at the next European Championships in France. I am now officially their most fervent supporter and I will be there to support them.

“Written from my hospital bed. Never giving up.”

Hang in there, skipper – and fingers crossed a restful summer will help speed your recovery.

On to today’s game and London24 report the Gunners’ latest team news: “Defender Per Mertesacker joins Oxlade-Chamberlain on the treatment table after picking up a hamstring problem - ruling him out of Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash at Manchester City and the final-day fixture at home to Aston Villa.

“Santi Cazorla could be involved for the first time since November while fellow midfielders Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky are also fit. Jack Wilshere could make his first start of the season after he recovered from a long-term ankle injury in recent weeks.

“Wenger faces a decision in attack as Danny Welbeck could replace Olivier Giroud, having scored the winner against Norwich last week.”

Meanwhile Kelechi Iheanacho has promised there is plenty more to come.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the 13-goal Nigerian said: “”It’s not bad this season but I’ve got to keep working hard. This is not going to be the best season ever, I’m just starting and there will more good to come, I’ll just keep working hard and working on everything in training and in games and I’ll get there.

“I was hoping to play a first-team game and be among them one day, I had ideas about that so I was hoping I would join them some day. It was a surprise for me when they said I was part of the team so I was happy and I’m pleased to join them.

“Now I’m convinced I’m part of the squad but it will not get into my head, I will just keep working hard and keep believing in myself. I will help the team anyway I can this season.”

Finally, the Express suggests that Fernando is a target for Villarreal.

The Brazilian has been in fine form for City this season and his performances have attracted the interest of The Yellow Submarine according to this report: “City midfielder Fernando is a £10m target for Villarreal

“The Brazilian’s future is in doubt, with incoming boss Pep Guardiola not an admirer, but the 28-year-old has been offered a way out of the Etihad.

“The Spanish side are willing to offer a three-year contract and it is understood City will not stand in Fernando’s way.

“However, they will demand at least the £12m they paid Porto for him in 2014.”

We’ll have reaction to today’s game and more gossip and rumour tomorrow morning…