Belgium to field Lukaku despite lack of playing time

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco says he can have no hesitation throwing Romelu Lukaku into the assault for Saturday’s European Championship qualifier away towards Azerbaijan even when the striker has solely performed 20 minutes this season.

The 30-year-old striker, whose 75 targets in 108 matches for Belgium make him the nation’s prime goalscorer, moved on mortgage from Chelsea to AS Roma days earlier than the latest switch window closed and had his first run out off the bench on Sept. 1 when his facet misplaced at residence to AC Milan.

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“Romelu is ready to play,” was the emphatic message from Tedesco on the pre-match press convention on Friday.

“He may not have played much with Roma but he has always stayed fit. Even if he hadn’t played with Roma he would have started. He is our captain and a very important player.”

Lukaku, nevertheless, is unlikely to play the total recreation.

“I don’t think Lukaku can play 90 minutes,” added Tedesco. “Players who have played for their club obviously have an advantage. But someone like Youri Tielemans can certainly play too. He has had a good preparation. He has the rhythm, so he can play. It is his coach at Aston Villa who does not field him but he is ready.”

Tielemans moved to Villa from relegated Leicester City and has solely appeared off the bench within the Premier League this season.

Belgium, nevertheless, should do with out first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfield basic Kevin De Bruyne, who Tedesco mentioned was irreplaceable.

“We cannot replace him one-on-one. We have to take care of his role collectively,” mentioned the coach.

Courtois, who has a long-term knee damage, can be changed by Koen Casteels. De Bruyne had surgical procedure lately on his hamstring.

Belgium has gained two and drawn one of their opening three matches in Euro 2024 qualifying Group F. Austria tops the desk with 10 factors from 4 video games whereas Azerbaijan is backside with one level from their three matches.