AP

MOGI DAS CRUZES, Brazil (AP) — Belgium coach Marc Wilmots says defensive mainstay Vincent Kompany is uncertain for Tuesday's World Cup game against the United States because of a recurring groin injury.

The injury to his captain compounded the defensive worries for Wilmots, who also has defenders Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Ciman and Anthony Vanden Borre on the injury list.

Tuesday's match against the United States is widely expected to be a fierce physical battle, where all players will have to be in top shape to last the full game.

Wilmots said Friday it was "impossible to say now" whether Kompany would be ready to play. His omission would be a huge setback for the team, since Wilmots considers the Manchester City captain his "right-hand man" on the pitch.