Romelu Lukaku, the prolific striker currently on loan at Inter Milan from Chelsea, has been named in Belgium's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. The decision by manager Roberto Martinez comes despite significant concerns over Lukaku's match fitness, with Martinez himself stating that the player is 'out of shape'. This admission highlights the calculated risk being taken on one of Belgium's most important players.
Lukaku's season has been severely disrupted by injury, limiting his playing time significantly. Since returning to Inter Milan, he has made only five appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals. A hamstring injury sustained in August kept him sidelined for an extended period, and he only recently returned to action before suffering another setback. His lack of consistent game time contrasts sharply with the demands of a major international tournament, where peak physical condition is paramount.
Martinez, however, has consistently backed Lukaku, citing his crucial role in the squad's dynamics and his exceptional goalscoring record for the national team. Lukaku is Belgium's all-time leading scorer with 68 goals in 102 appearances. The manager's faith suggests that even a partially fit Lukaku is considered a more valuable asset than other options, perhaps due to his experience, leadership, and ability to perform on the biggest stage.
The inclusion of Lukaku will undoubtedly spark debate among Belgian fans and pundits. While his talent is undeniable, concerns about his ability to perform at the highest level for multiple games in quick succession will persist. Belgium's first World Cup match is against Canada on 23rd November, followed by games against Morocco and Croatia in Group F. The initial group stage will be a critical period for Lukaku to regain sharpness, should he feature.
Martinez has indicated that he will monitor Lukaku's progress closely in the build-up to the tournament and during the early stages. The hope is that the striker can use the initial group fixtures to build his match fitness, potentially being fully ready for the knockout rounds. This strategy places a significant amount of pressure on Lukaku and the Belgian medical staff to ensure he can contribute effectively when it matters most.
The decision underscores the high stakes involved in World Cup squad selections, particularly when dealing with star players who are not at their optimal physical condition. For Belgium, often considered 'golden generation' contenders, Lukaku's fitness could be a pivotal factor in their quest for international glory.
Source: Belgium FA