Belgium hit by Vermaelen blow
Friday, June 15, 2007
Article summary
Belgian hopes of UEFA European Under-21 Championship success have been hit by an injury to Thomas Vermaelen ruling him out of the tournament.
Article body
Belgium's preparations for their final Group A fixture against the Netherlands have been hit by the news that central defender Thomas Vermaelen will miss the rest of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship because of a shoulder injury.
Injured against Israel
Vermaelen hurt his shoulder during Wednesday's 1-0 win against Israel but played on with his side down to ten men. The AFC Ajax player went to a Groningen hospital on Thursday, however, where tests revealed he would need three weeks' rest. His absence constitutes a serious setback for Belgium coach Jean-François De Sart whose team have benefited from Vermaelen's excellent partnership with Nicolas Lombaerts at the back.