Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has said that he is hopeful Thomas Vermaelen and Vincent Kompany will be back from injury before the end of the 2018 World Cup group stages.
Vermaelen is batting to overcome a hamstring problem that he suffered with Barcelona last month, while Manchester City captain Kompany picked up a groin injury in Belgium's pre-tournament friendly with Portugal.
Neither player will take part in Belgium's Group G opener against Panama on Monday, but Martinez has tipped both Vermaelen and Kompany to be involved before the knockout stages.
"Thomas Vermaelen has improved really well, a little bit like we expected," Martinez told reporters.
"He's not going to be involved in the game against Panama and that is going to be a decision to see about using him accordingly depending on his match fitness. Medically I think he could be fit for the next two games.
"With Kompany we're going to take through tomorrow to make the final call as we follow through the procedure.
"We are confident as well with the progress he has made since the Portugal game that he will be available to be involved in the third game of the group phase."
Belgium's second Group G match is against Tunisia on June 23, before facing England in their third fixture on June 28.
Matt Law
