MX23RW : Saturday, December 28 22:04:06| >> :600:2724281:2724281:

Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany fit to face Japan

Lukaku, Kompany fit to face Japan
© Reuters
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez confirms that Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen will be fit to face Japan.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that key players Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen will be fit for their World Cup last-16 clash with Japan.

Lukaku was rested for the Red Devils' 1-0 victory over England in their final group game, while Vermaelen suffered a gash to the head in a challenge with Jamie Vardy.

Kompany, meanwhile, has not featured at the World Cup so far due to a groin injury.

"Romelu Lukaku is fine, he's fully fit. He completed the training session today (Friday) so he's got no problems. He should be available," Martinez told reporters in his pre-match press conference.

"Thomas Vermaelen had a nasty knock in his eye, looked like a boxer this morning so I think he forgot about all his previous problems. Apart from his eye - his vision is not perfect at the moment because of the inflammation - he'll be fine and will be perfect to train tomorrow.

"Vincent Kompany reacted very well to his 20 minutes – that was always the plan. He is now fully fit and available for selection.

"We had to rely on our medical department to make big calls on players who weren't fit for the start of the World Cup."

Belgium set up the meeting with Japan after topping Group G in the final standings.

ID:329492: cacheID:329492:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2779:
Written by
Mark Langshaw
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez on October 10, 2017
Read Next:
Martinez issues Vermaelen, Kompany update
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool17133140172342
2Arsenal18106235161936
3Chelsea18105338211735
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1810442419534
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle188553021929
6Bournemouth188552721629
7Manchester CityMan City188463026428
8Fulham187742623328
9Aston Villa188462629-328
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton186842726126
11Brentford187383232024
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1872939261323
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham186572330-723
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd186482124-322
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace183871826-817
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1843112940-1115
18Leicester CityLeicester1835102240-1814
19Ipswich TownIpswich1826101633-1712
20Southampton1813141137-266


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!