An injury standby for the Belgium national team, Los Angeles Football Club defender Laurent Ciman has left the camp in Russia on Saturday ahead of their Group G opener against Panama on Monday in Sochi.
The 32-year-old traveled to Russia with veteran Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany’s heath in question. Kompany injured his groin in an international friendly against Portugal, while Thomas Vermaelen suffered a hamstring injury a month ago.
Ciman had been training with Belgium in case either player fails a fitness test. The Belgium national team’s official Twitter account confirmed Ciman’s departure, while keeping the door open for a possible recall on Sunday.
⚽️ @LaurentCiman23 left the group this morning. Laurent returned to 🇧🇪 and will now remain one of our stand-by players, until Sunday evening 5pm. R. Martínez thanks him for his professionalism and contribution to the team during our #WorldCup preparation. #REDTOGETHER
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 16, 2018
“We wanted Laurent to be prepared knowing that with a phone call he can come in and go straight into the group,” Belgium manager Roberto Martinez reportedly said. “He’s been a pristine professional.”
In an Instagram post, Ciman announced his departure and wished Belgium luck at the World Cup.
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