Vincent Kompany might not play for Belgium against the United States

Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has admitted that he doesn't know if he's going to have star defender and captain Vincent Kompany available when his team plays the United States on Tuesday. Kompany has a recurring groin problem and will be in a race against the clock to get fit in time, but his status will remain unknown until at least Monday, and possibly until lineups are announced for the match.

Kompany played all 90 minutes in Belgium's second group stage game against Russia, but was one of many first-choice players rested against South Korea on Thursday. Nicolas Lombaerts started in his place at center back. Thomas Vermaelen is also battling an injury, so Belgium are looking thin in defense.

There are no obvious holes in Belgium's team, but it's a big blow if Kompany can't play. Lombaerts is a quality player and veteran Daniel van Buyten has looked surprisingly capable during the World Cup, but Kompany is one of the best defenders in the world and a clear class above all of his teammates.