Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has recalled Romelu Lukaku to Belgium’s 23-man squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Israel.
Lukaku, the Red Devils’ all-time top scorer with 85 goals in 119 appearances, had been left out of the National team setup for Belgium’s first four games in the competition.
Since they beat Israel 3-1 in their Group A2 opener, Tedesco’s side have gone three matches without a win, placing them third in the standings behind Italy and France.
Lukaku has been in excellent form for Serie A leaders Napoli, contributing eight goal involvements (4 goals and 4 assists) in nine league appearances this season.
With hopes of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals, Belgium is counting on Napoli’s big center-forward to make the difference.
“He had no hesitation to return. He is one of the best strikers in world football. He doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody any more,” Tedesco said as per SuperSports.
“His qualities are key for us, and he’s also important off the pitch. He’s a natural leader and is very good at helping the young players.”
Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Koni De Winter are sidelined due to injuries, while Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne is also absent after previously requesting to be excluded from the squad.
Returning players include Ameen Al-Dakhil and Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, while 19-year-old left-back Joaquin Seys from Club Brugge has received his first senior call-up.
Belgium squad:
Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Al Qadsia), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), Maarten Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig)
Defenders: Wout Faes (Leicester City), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Matte Smets (Racing Genk), Ameen Al-Dakhil (VfB Stuttgart), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting Lisbon), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Midfielders: Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Arne Engels (Celtic), Romeo Lavia (Chelsea), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Orel Mangala (Everton)
Forwards: Malick Fofana (Olympique Lyonnais), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).
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