Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku will sit out the Nations League third-place playoff against Italy this evening due to a muscular problem.
While it appears that the 28-year-old could have played if required, Martinez has said that the striker isn’t completely fit and will have the night off:
“It’s an overload. He didn’t feel 100 percent to play tomorrow. It’s soreness in his tissue. Every decision taken involves both medical departments together for the good of the player.”
N’Golo Kante has completed his self-isolation period after picking up the virus. He has already begun individual training and he should be back in the fold well before Saturday’s game against Brentford.
It is also believed that Christian Pulisic will be available for the match next weekend. The American international has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the last international break.
Reece James is the only other senior player currently out of contention with a fitness issue. The fullback is still in rehabilitation after twisting his ankle in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last month.
