Campbell issues emphatic Aymeric Laporte verdict after Man City pictures emerge
Kevin Campbell has predicted Man City defender Aymeric Laporte to return to the matchday squad against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday (14 September).
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker said it is too soon for the 28-year-old to start in such a competitive game.
Laporte has missed all of pre-season and City’s first seven games of the season because of injury.
As pictured by club media (12 September), the centre-half has been in full training this week ahead of the visit of Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking on the Laporte’s return (13 September), Guardiola revealed the Spain international “looked good’ in his first training session back.
Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji started for City last time out in a 4-0 win over Sevilla.
When asked by Football Insider if Laporte could return to the starting XI for Wednesday’s Champions League clash, Campbell said:
“Do you take a chance against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League for your first game back?
“I think he will be on the bench. If they are cruising then they should bring him on after an hour.
“You cannot take a chance with him though. Man City have not qualified yet. They need to get a couple of wins under their belt before they introduce players back from injury in their games.
“I think he will be involved but I cannot see him starting, in all honesty.”
In other news, a pundit has backed Man City to seal a free transfer for Toni Kroos after a ‘brilliant’ report.