Thursday 7 June 2018 10:02, UK
Kevin De Bruyne insists Belgium have the players to see them through the group without team-mate Vincent Kompany at the World Cup in Russia.
Kompany was included in Belgium's 23-man World Cup squad by head coach Roberto Martinez despite picking up a groin injury during a friendly on Saturday.
His Manchester City teammate De Bruyne believes they have enough talent to see them through Group G which consists of England, Tunisia and Panama.
"He will be fine, maybe not for the first few games if possible but I don't know how he is going to react to the treatment and how he will progress," said De Bruyne.
"Hopefully he will be fit as soon as possible but we don't have to take the risk. We should be able to get through the group with the team we have. But obviously if he is fit, it will help us."
Chelsea and Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois echoed the 26-year-old's comments but hopes Kompany will eventually join up with the squad.
He added: "Vincent is a great player but unfortunately for him throughout the last year he has been struggling with some injuries and as a team we always hope he will be fit to play.
"But we also have good players who can step in for him but Vincent is a leader, he has showed that at City, shows that here in Belgium as well so we hope he can come with us."
De Bruyne and Courtois will play familiar faces when Belgium take on England on June 28 in a group stage match.
Speaking on the game Courtois said: "I hope [the game versus England] decides the group. I hope that both of us have won our games against Panama and Tunisia, but they will both be difficult as well.
"In a World Cup, every game is a difficult one, but hopefully it will be a great game with Belgium on top!"
