The coach of the Belgian National Team Roberto Martinez gambled by including Romelu Lukaku to the 2022 World Cup. In fact, the Inter Milan striker was injured.
However, Martinez, who still needs the services of Lukaku on the Belgian front lines, believes that the player can recover before their first match at the 2022 World Cup. So that’s why Martinez dared to call Lukaku to Qatar.
Of course, what Martinez did was too bold and could be a wrong move. Especially considering that Lukaku has only played twice for Inter Milan since the end of August due to a hamstring injury. He returned briefly in October, but had recurring problems.
This condition makes Lukaku actually doubtful of being able to defend Belgium in the 2022 World Cup. However, Martinez seems to be gambling and still includes Lukaku’s name in the 26 players he will bring to Qatar.
“Romelu is not medically fit, I think it’s quite clear,” Martinez said when revealing his 26 players for Qatar as reported by AFP, quoted by ANTARA, Friday (11/11/2022).
“Romelu is currently undergoing treatment and enters that period until November 22, 24 hours before our first game. He has the opportunity to be fully fit,” Martinez added.
Fortunately, FIFA allows teams to replace players who cannot play due to injury or Covid-19 up to 24 hours before their first match in the World Cup. So there is a chance for Martinez to replace Lukaku if the player still hasn’t recovered from his injury.
Belgium, who finished third at the 2019 World Cup in Russia, will start their adventure in Qatar against Canada on November 23. Next they face Morocco and 2018 runners-up Croatia in Group F. So how far can Belgium go in the 2022 World Cup?
Belgium squad for 2022 World Cup Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/ESP), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg/Germany) Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa/England), Wout Faes (Leicester City/England), Arthur Theate (Renes/France)
Midfielders: Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund/Germany), Timothy Castagne (Leicester City/England), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund/Germany), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/England), Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid/Spain), Youri Tielemans (Leicester City/England), Amadou Onana (Everton/England), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge) , Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid/Spain)
Forwards: Eden Hazard (Real Madrid/Spain), Leandro Trossard (Brighton/England), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan/Italy), Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce/Turkiye), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan/Italy), Lois Openda (Lens/France), Jeremy Doku (Renes/France), Dries Mertens (Ga latasaray/Turkey)
