The Romelu Lukaku injury and his return to the international stage may help the Red Devils in reaching the knockout stages of this year’s World Cup.
The Romelu Lukaku injury problems have spoiled the majority of the 2025/26 season for him, but he has now recovered to feature in Belgium’s squad for the World Cup.
The Romelu Lukaku injury meant that he did not start for the Belgian team in their thumping 5-0 win over Tunisia in an international friendly on Saturday, June 6.
However, Lukaku came on as a substitute in the second half, which means that he is regaining fitness slowly. Lukaku had earlier scored in Belgium’s win over Croatia in another recent international friendly.
Romelu Lukaku Injury: The Striker Regaining His Fitness
The Romelu Lukaku injury meant that he played in only seven matches for Napoli this season, scoring a solitary goal. Lukaku has won the Serie A title with both Napoli and Inter Milan, and hence, his absence was a setback for Napoli, who failed to defend the Serie A title.
The upcoming World Cup will be Lukaku’s fourth as a player, as he has won a bronze medal with his country in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Moreover, Lukaku is also one of the most prolific strikers in Europe at the international level, having scored 90 goals in 126 matches for Belgium.
It remains to be seen whether the 33-year-old striker is able to add to his tally in the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada; however, there should be no dearth of the supply of the ball to him.
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Romelu Lukaku Injury: The Belgian Playmakers Ready To Supply
Belgium have several players who can provide the ball for the big Belgian number nine upfront.
Kevin De Bruyne, who is going to play in his fourth World Cup himself, remains one of the best crossers and passers of the ball. Next, there is Jeremy Doku, a constant menace from the left flank, whose darting runs typically end with providing the final pass to the striker.
Youri Tielemans is another midfielder who can provide quality crosses into the box. The 29-year-old registered an assist against Tunisia to exert his presence in the match. Thus, Lukaku should have no dearth of providers in his team in the upcoming World Cup.
Charles De Katelaere started in the match against Tunisia and also managed to score a goal. However, his record of scoring only six goals for his country in 30 matches stands nowhere near the numbers of Lukaku.
Lukaku has more than 300 goals in his club career as well and has the experience of playing for Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Napoli. Hence, he is far more qualified than De Katelaere to start for Belgium in the upcoming World Cup.
The Belgians will hope that the Romelu Lukaku injury does not stop him from featuring in the tournament. This could well be Lukaku’s last World Cup, and he should be motivated to do well in it.
Belgium’s golden generation of players failed to win the World Cup in 2018 and finished third. However, Lukaku should be there to make amends and go for glory once again in the upcoming tournament in North America.
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Credit: IMAGO / Photo News
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