Belgium has been handed a major boost ahead of World Cup last 16 encounter against Japan as Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are all fully fit and available for selection, says boss Roberto Martinez.
Lukaku scored a brace against both Panama and Tunisia but missed Group G’s final match against England due to an ankle injury. Ex-Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen made his first appearance when Belgium registered a 1-0 win over England but was left bloodied after a clash with Jamie Vardy in the second half. He was unable to continue as he was replaced by Vincent Kompany who had been sidelined with a groin injury he suffered in a friendly fixture against Portugal prior to the tournament.
“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. 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,” said Martinez.
“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. There’s satisfaction to see all their work, to see Thomas Vermaelen playing like he’s never been away, to see Vincent Kompany arriving and performing for 20 minutes at the level that was required,” he added.
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who signed a new deal, came in as one of nine changes made by Martinez for the clash against England.