Vincent Kompany injury fear eased by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez
Thursday 10 November 2016 08:51, UK
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez insists Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has not suffered another injury blow.
The 30-year-old, who has been beset by fitness concerns over the past 12 months, was set to play for his country in their friendly with the Netherlands on Wednesday, but pulled out after reportedly feeling discomfort in the warm-up.
Martinez says he was only withdrawn as a precaution but admits he does not know whether he will have the defender available for their World Cup qualifying clash with Estonia on Sunday.
"There is no injury to Vincent Kompany," Martinez said in his press conference after the 1-1 draw. "We did not want to take any risks with him and Kompany did not feel well after the warm-up.
"I want every player to be 100 per cent. I would be surprised if he can play Sunday, but it is still too early to say.
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"We will have to assess the situation, especially with his club. If he is not ready, I will take another defender."
Martinez was pleased overall with his side's performance in the game, as they earned a point with Yannick Carrasco equalising late on to cancel out Davy Klaassen's first-half penalty.
"It was a good start for 20 minutes then we were disorganised," the former Everton boss added. "The way we played for each other was so good. We took a lot of information in and it was not easy against Holland.
"I'm pretty satisfied with the determination we have put into the game."
The injury problems mounted up for the Dutch as they lost three players. Jeremain Lens, Vincent Janssen and Stijn Schaars all ended up in the treatment room, leaving boss Danny Blind perplexed.
"Amazingly, it [injuries] does not stop," he said.
Tottenham striker Janssen is suffering from concussion after clashing with Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and he is doubtful for the qualifier with Luxembourg on Sunday.
"He cannot remember a period of 20 minutes. That's not good, of course. With a head injury you have to be careful," Blind added.
Lens has a hamstring injury, and Blind said: "We do not know if it is torn or strained, but he can not compete against Luxembourg. We will find out about Schaars on Thursday."
