Wilmots plays down Fellaini fears but Kompany remains a doubt for USA

Sport360 staff 04:41 30/06/2014
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  • Injury concern: Belgium skipper Vincent Kompany missed training yesterday

    Belgium captain Vincent Kompany is a doubt to face the United States in the World Cup last 16 but a scare over Marouane Fellaini is “nothing serious”, according to coach Marc Wilmots.

    Manchester City’s Kompany missed training at the Belgian base camp in Mogi das Cruzes yesterday, while Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen went through a light work-out alone.

    Fellaini also left shortly before the end of training with what looked like an ice-pack on his left calf.

    But Wilmots said the move was precautionary and that the Manchester United player should be “100 per cent” for tomorrow’s game in Salvador.

    He has greater concerns over centre-backs Kompany and Vermaelen, with both struggling to be fit for the elimination game against Jurgen Klinsmann’s Americans.

    “Vincent is on a special program and we hope he can be back in training tomorrow. We will see but he’s still a big doubt,” Wilmots said.

    "But things are improving and his recovery is going to plan. He’s feeling better and he’s able to move freely now but we will wait until tomorrow.

    “Vermaelen is also recovering well. We still have two more days.”

    Injuries have hindered Wilmots’ squad, especially in defence, with right-back Anthony Vanden Borre ruled out after fracturing his fibula in the 1-0 win against South Korea.

    Wilmots said he had options after making seven changes in what was largely a second-string team for Belgium’s final group game against the Koreans.

    The Belgian coach has so far used 20 of his 23 man squad at various times in the tournament.

    “I’ve got players who are ready, who are hungry and they will do everything they can in this match, no matter how it unfolds,” he added.

    Wilmots’ opposite number, the USA’s German coach Jurgen Klinsmann, is also hoping for some good news on the injury front.

    Klinsmann lost his main striker, Jozy Altidore to a hamstring injury midway through the first-half of their opening match against Ghana.

    At the time it looked as though his tournament was over, but Klinsmann is hopeful he will return and hasn’t even ruled him out of featuring tomorrow.

    “We are very optimistic,” said Klinsmann when asked if Altidore would be fit to face the Belgians. “Every day is a big step forward with Jozy. It’s 11 days now, and its looking better every day.”

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