UEFA Nations League

Why was Romelu Lukaku not called up to play for Belgium against Wales and Netherlands?

Belgium are preparing for theQatar 2022 World Cupin the September's international break. However, Romelu Lukaku won't be part of it, as he wasn't called up for the games against Wales and Netherlands.

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium
Ā© Alexander Hassenstein/Getty ImagesRomelu Lukaku of Belgium

The September’s international breakis the last stop before the Qatar 2022 World Cup. That’s why many national teamsneed to see their best playersin good shape in order to be called up for the tournament. That’s Romelu Lukaku’s case with the Belgium National team.

His performance for his national team is crucial, as he is one of the few players in the Belgium squad that is a true main striker. Especially when you have top-quality playmakers such as Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium’s coach Roberto Martinez knowswhat a loss is not being able to called up Lukaku for them.

Currently in the squad, there’sCharles De Ketelaere, and Dries Mertens for the striker position. However, neither of them haveLukaku’sphysique and qualityin front of net. Hopefully he will return after the break, and will be a starter for Inter.

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Why is RomeluLukakunot playing for Belgium in the UEFA Nations League?

In the last week of August, Lukaku suffereda muscle injuryduring a trainning session for his club, Inter. Due to this injury, Lukaku couldn’t play important games for the Nerazzurri, including theDerby dellaMadonninamatchup, as well as the games against Bayern and Viktoria Plzenfor the 2022-2023 UEFA Champions League.

In fact, the All-Time Belgium’s leading scorer had tosatoutside for the last international breaktoo, as Belgium will face two World Cup-quality teams such as Wales, and the Netherlands.ā€œHe will probably return to Inter in a week’s time. Not calling him up was a cautiouschoice. With Romelu it was important not to take any risks, because a relapse with an injury of this kind would be very risky ahead of the World Cup.ā€, the manager Roberto Martinez said in a press conference.

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As the Belgium’s manager mentioned, injuries in this time of the season is a major warning for every coaching staff and players who want their best squads ready and healthy for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. For this case, Lukaku will probably be ready just in time before the biggest football tournament in the world.

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