The lineup for Belgium in the UEFA Nations League has drastically changed. While there is optimism surrounding Kevin De Bruyne’s return, Romelu Lukaku’s absence has generated a lot of conjecture and discussion.
Major Changes in Belgium’s National League
Romelu Lukaku was left off the Belgium squad for next week’s Nations League matches because he requested time off to focus on recovering after his move to Napoli, coach Domenico Tedesco said on Friday. Kevin De Bruyne was added to the squad. Regarding the 33-year-old De Bruyne’s future on the international scene, there had been a lot of conjecture. He had voiced concerns about a possibly demanding season due to his numerous responsibilities for both Manchester City and the Belgian team.
While leaving out a number of veterans to make room for younger players, Tedesco insisted that De Bruyne was crucial to his intentions to introduce a new generation during the six Nations League Group A2 games in September and November. Due to security concerns, the match between Belgium and France was rescheduled from Brussels to Debrecen, Hungary, on September 6. Three days later, Belgium plays France in Lyon.
What’s up next
After the coach called to clarify his plans, Yannick Carrasco, Leonardo Trossard, and Axel Witsel were let go, but he did say they might be called up again in the future.
“We have these six months now till we start the qualification for the World Cup to try something. We can bring in fresh players to test a little bit, see how they’re going to perform and to give them the stage,” coach told in a press conference.
“We know their qualities so we can try others now. But Kevin (De Bruyne) is an exception. Kevin is our captain and I think that around Kevin we can let these young players,” the coach added.
The coach stated that Lukaku, whose transfer from Chelsea to Napoli was completed on Thursday, had requested time off to focus on his fitness but was anticipated to return later in the year. Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old Julien Duranville received his first call-up, while Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has opted not to play under Tedesco and central defender Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football.
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