Kompany set for Manchester City return

Though coach Manuel Pellegrini has been pleased with his defenders' performances in the absence of the Belgian, he is delighted to welcome back "a very important player"

Manchester City have received a boost with the news that captain Vincent Kompany will return to their squad at West Brom.

The central defender has not featured for his club since the start of October due to a thigh injury and, despite resuming full training, was not fit enough to play a part in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Swansea City.

However, City boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that the 27-year-old is in his plans for Wednesday's trip to the Hawthorns.

"Kompany is in the squad list and will travel with the team," the Chilean told reporters.

"I think Vincent is a very important player. He is a very good defender and, of course, we need him.

"On the other side, in the last five [domestic] games just Sunderland have scored one goal [against us]. In all the others, we have had clean sheets.

"So the other defenders can do it as well but Vincent is always an important player."

City have not lost to West Brom in seven league meetings and were 2-1 victors on their previous visit to the Hawthorns.