Belgium duo in fitness scares

Belgium have been hit by late injury scares to key defender Glen De Boeck and captain Marc Wilmots.

Coach Robert Waseige had openly revealed his plan to play a defensive midfield and one main striker, but a late training session has thrown his tactics into disarray.

De Boeck injured his right ankle again and could be out of action until the eve of Belgium's World Cup opener against Japan.

De Boeck's ankle was badly swollen and team doctor Marc Goossens said the injury was "slightly serious," necessitating further checks before the true extent of the injury could be known.

The tender ankle has already put De Boeck out of action for a couple of days this week. Last Sunday, he was taken to hospital for a scan after getting a knock on the ankle during the friendly win over Costa Rica.

Wilmots, who is suffering from chronically bad knees, withdrew himself from training after feeling pain in his knee again.

Both were certain starters for Tuesday's game in Saitama.

Belgium had already been badly hit by injuries before coming to Japan, with five players having to withdraw.