Vincent Kompany claims he is fit to lead Manchester City after Roberto Mancini laid into him for playing for Belgium.
Kompany tried to defuse his public row with the furious Mancini by tweeting a picture of his boots and kit with the message: “They’re ready to roll again.”
The Blues skipper did not answer Mancini’s accusation that he defied him by playing for Belgium in Tuesday’s win over Macedonia, and is just happy to be back after two months out with a calf injury.
Kompany was keen to allay his City manager’s fears that he had jeopardised his recovery by representing his country against the Italian’s wishes.
Mancini will be relieved that his defensive linchpin is finally back for the run-in and has warned his misfiring players they risk being caught by Chelsea and Tottenham.
The outgoing Premier League champions are just four points ahead of third-placed Chelsea going into Saturday’s home game against Newcastle, after winning just two of their last six league games.
City’s final league position could determine Mancini’s fate - their Abu Dhabi-based owners may feel he has taken the club as far as he can if they trail in third or fourth.
Mancini said: “I’m sure Chelsea and Tottenham want to take the second position and we must do our best for this reason. We want to stay there, we want to finish in second position.
“It would not be a disaster if we didn’t finish second. But when you are in football, anything can happen if you don’t play well and if you don’t work hard.
“Now I don’t think this can happen but we should pay attention.”
Despite conceding the title to Manchester United, Mancini insists City can still make their season a success if they finish second and win the FA Cup.
There is also the small matter of a second semi-final showdown with United in three seasons if Sir Alex Ferguson’s side can get past Chelsea in their quarter-final replay on Monday.
“It is important for the players to get second position because if we finish runners-up and win the FA Cup, it would still have been a good season when you consider all the problems we have had,” he said.
“I think we should be sad that we won’t win the title. But if there is a team better than you than you have to accept that.
“But after it is important for us to win the FA Cup. Whether it is against Chelsea or United is not important.
“I can understand that the FA Cup is important to United and they have a chance to win the Double. It is important for them. But it is also important for us and Chelsea.”
City striker Sergio Aguero is also fit to return against Newcastle after three games out with a knee problem.
