Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed that striker Romelu Lukaku is not going to be match sufficient to function of their opener in opposition to Canada on Wednesday.
- Lukaku injured thigh in late October
- Known as as much as nationwide staff regardless of doubts
- Martinez confirmed his absence in opposition to Canada
WHAT HAPPENED? Martinez revealed that the striker hadn’t totally recovered from a thigh damage picked up whereas taking part in for Inter in late October. Lukaku – who’s the Purple Devils’ high scorer with 68 objectives in 102 caps – was chosen in Belgium’s World Cup squad regardless of doubts over his health, and evidently their opener in opposition to Canada has come too quickly for the 29-year-old.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Lukaku’s omission prolongs an absence from the nationwide staff which stretches again to June, as Martinez additionally revealed that defenders Thomas Meunier and Jan Vertonghen had been doubts for Wednesday’s sport. The previous remains to be recovering from a damaged cheekbone suffered final month, whereas Vertongen has been carrying a knock.
WHAT THEY SAID: “He’s making progress, however to see him one hundred pc healed will take time,” Martinez stated on Lukaku. “We’re sticking to the schedule. I do not assume he can be match to play the primary World Cup match from the primary minute. At this level, we now have the sensation that Lukaku might be prepared for the second half of the competitors.”
DID YOU KNOW? Belgium’s squad have performed in a mixed 104 World Cup matches, probably the most of any nation competing in Qatar.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty Pictures
WHAT NEXT FOR LUKAKU? With the centre-forward undoubtedly out of motion for Belgium’s opener in opposition to Canada, Lukaku will hope to reach again in time for his or her video games in opposition to Morocco and Croatia in Group F.