But Wilmots was quick to dismiss any new worries over the 29-year-old’s availability and repeated his stance that the player’s involvement versus Israel was ultimately to City’s benefit.
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Belgium’s October matches were both competitive ones, with European qualification not assured at the time Kompany agreed to be in the squad.
“What matters now is the mental and physical regeneration”, Wilmots explained.
“I was not pleased because we sent Vincent with a few medical report that he was not able to play but, as the manager of Belgium said, he can do what he wants in the worldwide break”, said Pellegrini.
“I am doing well at Manchester City, as the team and the supporters are behind me”.
Dembele was ruled out of Friday’s match against Italy in Brussels with a bruised calf which he picked up playing for his club Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal at the weekend but could be fit to face Spain in the Belgian capital on Tuesday.
Manchester City and Belgium Skipper Vincent Kompany has withdrawn from the national team squad for the friendlies this week against Italy and Spain with a calf injury. You’re between two fires. “Everybody wants to play, but for me, I want to see a lot of people”. Twice a week in the fitness and twice with me on the pitch is ideal. “Vincent agreed and we made the decision together”, Wilmots said earlier this week. Many players come here injured and return healthy and match fit.
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Belgium will also have a point to prove at sold-out King Baudouin Stadium to show it deserves to be top and above World Cup victor Germany, despite making only the quarter-finals a year ago.
