Eden Hazard injury update
In the 70th minute Chelsea star Eden Hazard was forced off. And Hazard looked uncomfortable as he exited the game against Costa Rica.
Belgium’s star playmaker was wincing and walking with a limp just days before the start of the 2018 World Cup.
Indeed, as soon as Hazard was subbed out the game, the Chelsea star headed down the tunnel.
So will Hazard be fit for Belgium’s World Cup opener against Panama on Monday?
According to Roberto Martinez, Hazard’s knock against Costa Rica was minor:
Eden is fine. He just came off because he had a little bit of a dead leg.
Roberto Martínez says that Eden Hazard is ‘fine’. He limped off with an injury.
🗣 “He had a little bit of a dead leg, a knock on his leg. Nothing to worry about.”#bel #cfc pic.twitter.com/ElmdHtX2Lc
— Kristof Terreur 📰 (@HLNinEngeland) June 11, 2018
How is Vincent Kompany?
Will the Manchester City defender be fit for Belgium at the World Cup?
Kompany, of course, has been struggling with his fitness for several seasons.
And fans are now worried that Kompany has suffered a fresh injury which will affect his availability in Russia. In the recent friendly with Portugal just over a week ago, Kompany was forced out the game in the 55th minute.
Kompany injured himself after he stretched to win possession.
The Man City star was again absent against Costa Rica. And Kompany was duly missed by the Red Devils as Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata convinced no-one he can fill in if needed.
Right now it feels like Kompany will not be available for Belgium for the start of the World Cup.
Belgium 4 – Costa Rica 1
Belgium came from behind to win on Monday night against Costa Rica.
Former Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz opened for the Ticos with a smart volley from the edge of the box.
Belgium were soon level when Dries Mertens turned home a Hazard cross-shot in the box.
Man United striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice before the break to put Belgium in control. Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi scored a fourth midway through the second half.
Lukaku!
A classic finish for the Belgian star, header right into the back of the net. #BELCRC #OptusSport #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ObhJquf4cg
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 11, 2018
Also see: Why Spain will win the World Cup again: 10 reasons.
Golden Ball betting guide: World Cup 2018 FIFA player of the tournament odds.