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", coach Marc Wilmots said.
Manchester City's Kompany missed training at the Belgian base camp in Mogi das Cruzes, 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 Tuesday's (Wednesday AEST) 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 by Monday. 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."
Wilmots added: "Vermaelen... is also recovering well. We still have two more days."
Injuries have haunted 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 said.
AFP
source: newshub archive
