Romelu Lukaku is fit enough to participate in the World Cup. The Belgian striker has been struggling with a hamstring injury for some time and was in danger of missing the final tournament in Qatar, but national coach Roberto Martínez has still included him in the final selection. With 68 goals, Lukaku is the all-time top scorer of the Red Devils.
Earlier this week, Martínez noted that he had doubts about taking Lukaku with him. The national team manager said he would not select the Internazionale striker if he was not ready to play for the first group match, but apparently Lukaku is expected to be ready to face Canada on Wednesday, November 23. The striker is in the final selection of the Belgians, which has 26 players. Martínez has only selected three goalkeepers.
11.59 million Belgians. 26 Devils. 1 goal. ?? #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/wwCAMvlU6k
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) Nov 10, 2022
Eden Hazard is also part of the group of players who will travel to Qatar. The wing attacker does not make many playing minutes at Real Madrid, but it was enough for the Spanish national coach of our southern neighbors for a call-up. With Loïs Openda, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Dries Mertens and Wout Faes, there are five former Eredivisie players in the Belgian selection.
Martínez has also decided to put four players on standby with Bryan Heynen, Alexis Saelemaekers, Dodi Lukebakio and Jason Denayer. Should one of the 26 chosen ones still be injured before the tournament starts, the players on the reserve list can still be used. In addition to Canada, our southern neighbors will play against Morocco and Croatia at the World Cup.