Vincent Kompany insists there was nothing malicious in his controversial challenge on Aaron Lennon in Manchester City’s defeat of Burnley on Saturday.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche felt the City captain should have been sent off for his high challenge on Lennon in the first minute at the Etihad Stadium.

Lennon was able to play on after treatment but Dyche also revealed that the Clarets winger needed two stitches in a wound on his thigh.

John Stones filled in at right-back against Burnley in the absence of Kyle Walker and Danilo, who both suffered injuries on international duty, and may have to do so again.

Manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful Walker will recover from a groin problem in time but he is currently a doubt.

Guardiola said: “I don’t have many options in that position but I congratulated John in the locker room because I know it’s (not) his position and he did really well.”