Belgium’s hopes of ending their Nations League campaign on a positive note have been dealt a severe blow as injuries sideline several key players, including star striker Romelu Lukaku and influential midfielder Amadou Onana.
The Red Devils are set to face Israel in Budapest on Sunday in their final Group A2 match, but their squad is severely depleted after a series of injury setbacks.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time top scorer, and Amadou Onana, a powerhouse in midfield, have been ruled out due to injuries, though the exact details remain undisclosed.
Joining them on the sidelines are Maxim De Cuyper, Romeo Lavia, and Arthur Theate, further limiting coach Domenico Tedesco’s options. These absences come on the heels of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Italy on Thursday, which confirmed Belgium’s elimination from the race for the Nations League quarterfinals.
Belgium had already been struggling with absences before the Italy match. Captain Kevin De Bruyne had requested to sit out the final Nations League games, citing fatigue.
Injuries also kept Sebastiaan Bornauw, Koni De Winter, Jeremy Doku, and Youri Tielemans out of the squad. To make up for the shortages, uncapped Coventry City striker Norman Bassette has been called up, highlighting the depth of the crisis.
Belgium’s Nations League journey has been far from ideal. After a strong start to the group stage, including an impressive victory over Spain, the Red Devils faltered in recent matches.
Their loss to Italy not only eliminated them from quarterfinal contention but also highlighted vulnerabilities in their squad, especially in the absence of key players.
Now, facing Israel in Budapest, Belgium will be aiming to salvage some pride in what has been a disappointing campaign for the nation that once held the FIFA world No. 1 ranking. However, with a heavily depleted lineup, the task ahead is daunting.
The inclusion of Norman Bassette, a young and promising striker from Coventry City, adds a glimmer of intrigue to the red devils’ final match. Bassette, though uncapped, has been making waves in the Championship, and this unexpected call-up offers him a chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.
While expectations for the youngster are tempered, his selection underscores Belgium’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent amid a wave of injuries.
ALSO READ:
Tedesco’s Tactical Dilemma
For head coach Domenico Tedesco, the spate of injuries presents a significant tactical challenge. Lukaku’s absence leaves a gaping hole in Belgium’s attack, while Onana’s omission weakens the midfield’s defensive stability and creativity. Theate’s defensive prowess and Lavia’s versatility will also be sorely missed.
Tedesco will likely turn to players like Leandro Trossard, Yannick Carrasco, and Alexis Saelemaekers to lead the charge against Israel. The coach may also consider shifting formations to accommodate the available players, potentially deploying a younger and less experienced lineup.
The red devils’ final opponent, Israel, will not be an easy challenge. Though they are also out of contention for the quarterfinals, Israel has shown resilience and skill throughout the group stage. Their attacking lineup, led by Eran Zahavi and Manor Solomon, poses a significant threat to Belgium’s weakened defense.
With nothing to lose, Israel may approach the match with a sense of freedom, further complicating Belgium’s task. For Tedesco’s side, maintaining focus and discipline will be essential to avoid ending the campaign on a sour note.
The Bigger Picture
The red devils’ struggles in the Nations League are symptomatic of a broader shift in European football. As traditional powerhouses like Belgium and Germany grapple with inconsistent performances, emerging nations are making their presence felt on the international stage. For Belgium, this tournament serves as a wake-up call to address underlying issues and build a more resilient, adaptable team for the future.
What’s Next for Belgium?
Despite their Nations League elimination, Belgium’s calendar remains packed with important fixtures. The Euro 2024 qualifiers are just around the corner, offering the Red Devils a chance to regroup and refocus. With several key players expected to recover, Tedesco will be eager to field a stronger squad and reignite Belgium’s competitive spirit.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Belgium responds to this period of adversity. The team’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and integrate fresh talent will determine whether they remain a force to be reckoned with in international football.
