Belgian national team head coach Roberto Martinez expects that Inter striker Romelu Lukaku can be included in the Red Devils’ World Cup squad, but only if he will be fit for at least one of the group stage matches.
Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe in an interview published in today’s print edition, the Belgium coach updated that Lukaku is not currently fit, but could still make the squad for the tournament.
Lukaku has been out with a recurrence of the thigh strain that kept him out for more than two months earlier on in the season.
The 29-year-old is being assessed to see what the timeline will be for his recovery, and while it is not expected to be more than a few weeks, time is of the essence if he is to be part of Belgium’s World Cup.
Lukaku is not expected to return for Inter before the World Cup break, but he could be back for at least one of Belgium’s World Cup group stage matches.
“For the moment, he’s not available,” Martinez said.
“It’s in the hands of doctors.”
The coach continued that “If he’s able to participate in one of the first three matches, then he’s certainly a player that we need.”
“If he can’t, he won’t be with the team.”
“We’re working day by day,” Martinez continued.
“It’s completely a medical decision up to this point.”
The coach explained that “We’re working with a player we know very well, we’re seeing a number of signs of improvement.”
He noted that “Healing from a muscle injury is very something that is very much dependent on the individual.”
“Waiting until just before the squad is decided will give us the most time to evaluate the healing of the muscle tissue, to estimate the recovery timeline as well as we can.”
“If he’s able to return to the pitch by December he’ll be with the squad,” Martinez explained. “If not, he won’t be at the World Cup.”
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