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MOGI DAS CRUZES, Brazil (AP) — Belgium captain Vincent Kompany missed training on Thursday because of a groin strain, three days ahead of his team's Group H game against Russia at the World Cup.
Kompany stands at the heart of the Belgium defense and missing the Manchester City stalwart would be a big handicap for the group leader.
Coach Marc Wilmots called it a "slight" strain and said Kompany was working on an individual program with the medical staff.
"I'm counting on him to be there" for the next game, said defender Thomas Vermaelen.
Playmaker Eden Hazard made a return to training and showed no ill effects from a toe contusion sustained in Tuesday 2-1 victory over Algeria.
Belgium can advance to the knockout rounds if it beats Russia on Sunday.
Second-choice goalkeeper Simon Mignolet did not train with the rest of the goalkeepers for a second day running, suffering from a right hand injury.
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