Multiple reports in Italy claim Inter star Romelu Lukaku will start on the bench in today’s World Cup meeting with Marcelo Brozovic’s Croatia as the Belgian forward is still not fully fit.
The 29-year-old played nine minutes in Belgium’s 2-0 loss against Morocco last week, returning to action after a muscle injury suffered with Inter before the World Cup break.
He has only made five appearances with the Nerazzurri this season and missed the first match at Qatar 2022.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport and Il Corriere Dello Sport, Lukaku will once again start on the bench today as he is still not fully fit to feature in the Red Devils XI.
“I don’t know yet whether Lukaku can start the match, but I hope so,” Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“For my team, playing with him makes all the difference in the world. He is a natural leader, he holds up the line by himself, is a reference point and is fundamental.”
Belgium need a win to qualify for the Round of 16, having only collected one point in the opening two matches of Group F.
Marcelo Brozovic’s Croatia, on the other hand, can go beyond the group phase even with a draw, having collected four points in two games.
Morocco also have four points in two games and will face Canada, who have already been eliminated from the competition.