Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, who has struggled to recover from a hamstring injury, will miss Belgium’s first two World Cup games.
After suffering a thigh injury at the end of August, the 29-year-old has only played four games in Serie A this season.
According to Globo, Lukaku will definitely miss Belgium’s first two games against Canada and Morocco, and may struggle to recover in time for Belgium’s final group game against Croatia.
His absence will be felt keenly by the Belgian national team, led by Coach Roberto Martinez, as he is the European country’s record scorer with 68 international goals and by far their most senior striker.
Lukaku did not participate in Belgium’s first full training session since their arrival in Qatar on Friday as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
Even without Lukaku, Belgium has an exciting array of attacking talent in their squad. Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Dries Mertens will put opposition defenses to the test.
Many of Belgium’s top players are now over 30, and there is concern that this World Cup will be their last chance to win an international trophy.