Vincent Kompany Withdraws from Belgium Squad

Manchester City and Belgium Skipper Vincent Kompany has withdrawn from the national team squad for the friendlies this week against Italy and Spain with a calf injury. Belgium is currently ranked first in the world according to the controversial FIFA rankings and have qualified for next summer's European Championships in France.

Kompany's withdrawal from the Belgium squad perhaps was precipitated by  a conversation with Manchester City Manager Manuel Pellegrini. The Blues Manager was unhappy with Kompany's decision to play for Belgium in October despite having been injured for the previous few matches Manchester City had played. Belgium's October matches were both competitive ones, with European qualification not assured at the time Kompany agreed to be in the squad.

The Central Defender's form has been outstanding since returning from that injury and Manchester City has conceded just once in the last three Premier League matches - that goal was due to an error by Goalkeeper Joe Hart.

No word yet as to whether or not Kompany will be available for the Blues showdown with Liverpool a week from Saturday.