Chelsea star, Romelu Lukaku, has reportedly suffered muscle fatigue and will be unavailable for the UEFA Nations League third-place play-off match against Italy.
Alongside Belgium and Real Madrid winger, Eden Hazard, the Chelsea striker will be leaving camp due to muscle fatigue. Thankfully, both Chelsea and Belgium seem to be on the same page with this decision to pull the striker from the match. Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez backed this decision made by the player and the medical team.
Via Sky Sports:
“It's an overload. He didn't feel 100 per cent to play tomorrow. It's soreness in his tissue,”
“Every decision taken involves both medical departments together for the good of the player.”
Belgium suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to France in the semi-finals, where Lukaku played the full 90 minutes and managed to score twice — only being denied of the hat trick and the potential win due to an offside VAR overruling.
It only makes sense to preserve the striker's health by avoiding unnecessary risks. Especially with Belgium Goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, calling the third-place play-off match absolutely pointless.
Despite these comments, Belgium will still look to cap their UEFA Nations League campaign on a high note. The team will reassemble in November for World Cup Qualifiers where they'll look to secure the top spot in Group E as they face off against Estonia and Wales.
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