Romelu Lukaku will miss Belgium’s UEFA Nations League clash against Turkey on Thursday, November 12, after suffering a minor hip injury. Belgium head coach Mark van Bommel said the striker would not join the team in Izmir, where the two sides are set to play their Group A1 match. It was decided as a precautionary measure, as Belgium is hoping to have its top scorer on Sunday against Italy.
Why Is Romelu Lukaku Missing Belgium vs. Turkey? Lukaku has been suffering from pain in his hip and admitted the problem during Belgium’s warm-up for the Turkey match. Although the forward is still able to train, Van Bommel and the medical staff decided against including him in the traveling squad. Van Bommel said, “He felt something on his hip yesterday. What exactly, that is difficult to indicate.
He didn’t feel 100%, so we chose to have him rehabilitated in Tubeke. I hope he’ll be there on Sunday.” The Belgian coach also highlighted the role of Lukaku in the national team, both in and out of the game. He added, “Romelu is always important to us, as a starting player or as a substitute. When he sits on the bench, the opponent takes him into account when he comes on.
And within the group he is also very valuable.” The Belgian Football Association also announced that Lukaku would stay in Belgium for treatment in optimal conditions. No replacement has been called up for the injured striker. Will Romelu Lukaku Play Against Italy? Belgium are hoping Lukaku can get fit in time for their final group game against Italy in the Nations League on Sunday, November 15.
Van Bommel said the medics were still trying to get the striker fit for the match, but it was not certain. The final assessment is expected on Friday, November 13. Belgium currently has six points in Group A1 and is third behind France and Italy. With the top two teams advancing to the quarterfinals, Lukaku’s potential return could be important for Belgium’s qualification hopes.
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