Sunday 19 March 2017 17:55, UK
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has been left out of Belgium's squad for their matches against Greece and Russia.
It comes amid speculation over the 30-year-old's future after another injury-ravaged campaign.
He has made just six appearances for City this season, although he has seemingly been available for their last four games following a knee problem.
Kompany travelled with the squad to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and Monaco in the Champions League but was not even given a place on the bench for either game.
And Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has decided not to call him up for the World Cup Qualifier against Greece and friendly in Russia.
Former Everton manager Martinez explained: "We all know how important Vincent Kompany is and how important he's going to be for the future.
"He wants to come even with one leg, that is his desire and commitment, but it's important that we protect him and we get the benefit from it.
"It is important we give him a bit of space and we allow him to get to match fitness. We want Vincent to be fully fit."
The news came hours after City boss Pep Guardiola indicated that he was expecting Kompany to be called up.
"Now maybe he is going to the national team," Guardiola said at a news conference.
"If he can play some minutes, I want to be sure he can compete from the beginning and not waste one game, one change, because he can't play 90 minutes, or he can't play the last 15-20 minutes as he is injured again."
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