Typically, international breaks offer very little drama and excitement, aside from the usual injury concerns. That’s really what’s news-worthy during these periods- who’s hurt/fit and how hurt/fit are they?
For Manchester United, all eyes have been on Belgium to keep tabs on striker Romelu Lukaku. MUFC has been nervously awaiting updates on the ankle issues surrounding their £75 million summer addition, and a classic club versus country conflict has ensued. If Lukaku isn’t match fit for the big rivalry match at Anfield, against fellow Premier League title contender Liverpool, you can imagine the wrath that Belgium will feel from United.
? @RomeluLukaku9 will not join us in ?? for #BIHBEL. Individual recovery @movetocure ?? towards Tuesday. #BELCYP #RoadtoRussia pic.twitter.com/hNK2WZQ7tB
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 5, 2017
Belgium Manager Roberto Martinez has been in communication with United, and he’s decided not to risk Lukaku against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualifier on Saturday. Belgium have already qualified for Russia 2018 anyway, so this match doesn’t have a ton of meaning for them.
Lukaku, who is now up for the Premier League September player of the month award, will stay with the Red Devils, the Belgian version, for rehabilitation and could still feature in the next match versus Cyprus on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, sticking with Red Devils for both club and country, attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini also missed Belgium training Monday through Wednesday for an ankle issue as well.
However, Fellaini might feature this weekend, having returned to Belgium training yesterday.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.