Belgium's Vincent Kompany suffers injury scare against Portugal

Posted Sunday, June 03, 2018 by Skysports.com

Belgium's Vincent Kompany suffers injury scare against Portugal
Roberto Martinez speaks with Vincent Kompany as he leaves the pitch

Vincent Kompany will require a scan to determine if he can play at the World Cup in Russia after injuring his groin during Belgium's goalless draw with Portugal.

The Manchester City captain was forced off in the 55th minute of the match in Brussels after appearing to hurt himself when lunging for the ball.

"You could feel that when he came off we were all very much worried," coach Roberto Martinez said afterwards, adding that it would probably take 48 hours to determine how serious the injury was.

"He said he felt discomfort in his groin when he walked off the pitch. He's not a young player, he knows his body. At that point it was the right time to come off."

Kompany started in a back three for Belgium with Tottenham pair Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen playing either side of him. He was replaced by Celtic's Dedryck Boyata.

It is a further injury headache for Belgium manager Martinez. Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen, who would be a natural candidate to replace Kompany should he miss time, has been battling a hamstring injury.

Martinez is due to name his final 23-man squad for Russia on June 4.

The injury to Kompany was the key talking point after a game in which both sides showed attacking intent despite failing to find the net.

"I cannot be fully satisfied because of Vincent Kompany's injury but apart from that it was the test we needed," Martinez said, adding that Vermaelen at least appeared to be returning to fitness.

Belgium begin their World Cup campaign with a game against Panama on June 18, before facing Tunisia on June 23 and England on June 28.