Belgium has included veteran striker Romelu Lukaku in their official squad for the upcoming World Cup, despite the player logging only an hour of competitive football this season. The forward, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Wednesday, has spent the last two months in his home country rehabilitating from a persistent hamstring injury. Lukaku has failed to secure a single start for Napoli this term, restricted to just seven substitute appearances, though he managed to net a goal against Verona back in February. Recognizing his irreplaceable status as the nation`s all-time leading goalscorer, head coach Rudi Garcia has chosen to gamble on his fitness for the tournament.
The decision marks a significant risk for the Belgian management.
Lukaku has scored a record 89 goals for his country, but earned the last of his 124 international caps during a 4-3 qualification victory over Wales last June. Belgium will compete in Group G at the tournament next month, facing off against Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand. As a strategic cover, Garcia has called up promising young attacker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who officially committed his senior international future to Belgium earlier this week. The 21-year-old Lille player, born in Brussels to Italian and Spanish parents, was selected over Lois Openda, who has struggled for regular game time at Juventus.
The 26-man selection also features Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast despite recent fitness concerns. Debast sustained an injury during training with his Portuguese club, but his consistent performances under Garcia earned him a spot regardless. The squad also receives a substantial boost with the timely return of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from injury. Pre-announcement speculation suggested that Garcia might include four goalkeepers in his final list, but that theory proved incorrect as the coach stuck to standard protocols.
