Vincent Kompany has been named in Belgium's World Cup squad despite picking up an injury on Saturday. But Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke has been left out of the squad, which manager Roberto Martinez has reduced from 28 to 23.
Kompany is fresh from leading Manchester City to the Premier League title but picked up a groin injury during the 0-0 draw with Portugal in Brussels on Saturday. Belgium begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18 and Martinez will give Kompany as much time as possible to regain his fitness.
"Until 24 hours before (the Panama match), we can still make a replacement," said Martinez. "We need to wait a period of seven, eight days with Vincent Kompany. Then we will get a good opportunity to make a diagnosis. "Vincent Kompany is a true leader, he performed in a fantastic manner when he was on the pitch. His leadership is essential for us."
Laurent Ciman will be with the Belgium squad and is on stand-by should Kompany fail to recover in time. Benteke misses out after a disappointing season for Palace, with Martinez adding: "Christian Benteke has been the toughest decision, but it is for the balance of the squad. "We have two number nines - Michy Batshuayi and Romelu Lukaku have taken those positions."
Belgium are in Group G at the World Cup, where they will also face England and Tunisia.
Belgium squad:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg).

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Youri Tielemans (Monaco), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur).

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea/Dortmund), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Dries Mertens (Napoli).

Standby player: Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC).

Source: SkySports

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