Belgium name injured Romelu Lukaku in their 26-man World Cup squad
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has named injured striker Romelu Lukaku in his 26-man World Cup squad on Friday, despite the forward playing just one hour of competitive football this season.
The 33-year-old has spent the past two months rehabilitating a hamstring problem in his homeland.
At club level, the Napoli frontman has been restricted to just seven substitute appearances this campaign, finding the net only once in February.
Despite the severe lack of match fitness, Garcia has taken a significant gamble on his nation’s all-time leading marksman.
The powerful forward boasts an exceptional international record, having scored 89 goals in 124 caps for his country.
Fernandez-Pardo earns call-up
To provide cover in the attacking department, Garcia has drafted in promising 21-year-old Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
The Lille attacker, who was born in Brussels, has committed his international future to Belgium after previously declining an under-20 call-up from Spain.
His impressive club form earned him a place in the squad ahead of Juventus forward Lois Openda, who has struggled for regular minutes in Italy.
Courtois returns to boost defence
At the other end of the pitch, the timely return of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has provided a major defensive boost.
His recovery from injury dispels earlier speculation that the national team might need to travel with four goalkeepers.
There are lingering fitness concerns over Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast, who recently picked up a training knock.
However, Debast remains in the selection alongside experienced figures such as Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel, who are set for their fourth successive tournament appearance.
The Red Devils will be relying heavily on their veteran core to navigate Group G successfully, having last seen their talismanic striker in international action during a 4-3 victory over Wales last June.
Belgium will begin their World Cup campaign against a group consisting of Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
Belgium squad in full
- Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Racing Strasbourg)
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting Lisbon), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Koni De Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona)
- Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Racing Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)