Football
ESPN staff 6y

Belgium's Vincent Kompany injury doubt for World Cup after hurting groin

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

The 32-year-old Kompany, a key part of Belgium's defence, abruptly left the pitch in the 55th minute after appearing to hurt himself when lunging for the ball.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez told a news conference that it would probably take 48 hours to determine the severity of the injury. All World Cup teams must submit their final 23-man squads on Monday.

"You could feel that when he came off we were all very much worried," Martinez said. "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 dealt with persistent injury problems this season and only played in 17 Premier League games during Manchester City's title-winning campaign.

The defender was forced to miss Euro 2016 after picking up a thigh injury in the Champions League semifinal that May.

His injury was the key talking point on Saturday after Belgium's 0-0 draw with Portugal as both sides showed attacking intent but no killer blow less than two weeks before the World Cup begins.

"I cannot be fully satisfied because of Vincent Kompany's injury but apart from that it was the test we needed," Martinez said.

Axel Witsel and Thomas Vermaelen missed the game, though Martinez noted that Barcelona defender Vermaelen at least appeared to be returning to fitness.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

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