UEFA Nations League
Will Romelu Lukaku Play in Belgium vs Italy in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League?
Belgium's all-time leading scorer was a notable absentee in the Red Devils' victory over Turkey, where he plays his club football.… Show More
Belgium's all-time leading scorer was a notable absentee in the Red Devils' victory over Turkey, where he plays his club football.
Romelu Lukaku is ready to return for Belgium in one of the most important matches of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The striker has recovered from the physical discomfort that ruled him out of the match against Turkey and will be available to face Italy this Sunday, November 15, according to Red Devils head coach Mark van Bommel.
VAN BOMMEL CONFIRMS LUKAKU'S RETURN
The Dutch manager put concerns about the striker's fitness to rest after Lukaku completed training sessions without any problems.
"He trained on Friday, and he also took part in the entire session this Saturday. He is available for tomorrow, Sunday," Van Bommel said during his press conference. The manager also highlighted the importance of having Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer available, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
WHY DID LUKAKU MISS THE MATCH AGAINST TURKEY?
Lukaku's absence against Turkey was due to muscular discomfort around his hip. The striker was able to train with the squad but was not in a condition to strike the ball with full power. As a precaution, the coaching staff and the player agreed that he would not travel and would remain in Belgium to receive treatment.
"He had some discomfort around the hip area, where there are a lot of muscles. He could train, but he couldn't strike the ball with full power. We didn't want to take any risks," Van Bommel explained.
The decision was intended to prevent a more serious injury and give him enough time to recover ahead of the clash with Italy.
HIS FORM IN TURKEY AND HIS CONTRIBUTION TO BELGIUM
The striker also arrives with regular playing time at Fenerbahçe, where he has recorded one goal and three assists in 10 Turkish Süper Lig appearances. His contributions have been important to the Turkish side's attacking play.
Under Van Bommel's new era with Belgium, Lukaku remains a key figure thanks to his experience, leadership and goalscoring ability. In the current Nations League campaign, he has scored once, against Turkey in October, and has featured in three matches.
It is worth remembering that Lukaku did not start the first meeting against Italy on September 25. He began on the bench due to the manager's decision and fitness considerations before coming on in the 83rd minute. Belgium won that match 2-0.
Now, with his recovery confirmed, the Red Devils welcome back a key player as they look to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Lukaku is available to face Italy, although his place in the starting lineup has not yet been confirmed.
LUKAKU READY TO FACE ITALY
- RETURN CONFIRMED: Mark van Bommel confirmed that Romelu Lukaku has recovered and is available for the match against Italy, although he did not reveal whether the striker will start.
- INJURY THAT RULED HIM OUT AGAINST TURKEY: The striker experienced muscular discomfort around his hip that prevented him from striking the ball with full power. Belgium decided not to take any risks.
- A KEY PLAYER FOR BELGIUM: Lukaku has scored once in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League and arrives with playing time at Fenerbahçe, where he has registered one goal and three assists in the Turkish league.
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