Radja Nainggolan is a doubt for the Rome derby after sustaining a groin injury that has ruled him out of Belgium's friendlies against Mexico and Japan.

The Roma midfielder faces a battle to be fit to face arch-rival Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on 19 November (AEDT), when a victory will be important to each side's hopes of staying in touch with Serie A's top three.

Nainggolan was recalled by Belgium coach Roberto Martinez for this month's fixtures after being dropped for September's FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In the aftermath, the 29-year-old had to clarify quotes attributed to him suggesting he will take a break from international football.

But Nainggolan must to wait to make his next appearance for Belgium after it was confirmed he will miss its matches this month because of "a small rupture in his right groin" sustained in training on Friday (AEDT).