Belgium physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck confirms Romelu Lukaku was not fit to play 90 minutes at the World Cup: ‘He couldn’t handle the whole game.’
The Inter star has been struggling with injuries this term, playing just five games with the Nerazzurri.
He suffered an injury relapse weeks before Qatar 2022 and missed the first World Cup game against Canada.
“Roberto Martinez is someone who listens to the medical staff and everything is discussed,” Belgium’s physiotherapist Maesschalck told sporza.
“The fact that Lukaku, for example, had not played for months, also played a role. The agreement was that he would not play 90 minutes.
“It was agreed with Romelu that reaching Croatia should be achievable.”
“But physically, Romelu couldn’t handle a whole game. So a choice had to be made again. Let him start or not. Let him play 45 minutes or 60 minutes.”
Lukaku was introduced in the last 9 minutes of a 2-0 loss against Morocco on November 27 and in the second half of a 0-0 draw with Croatia, which eventually determined the Red Devils’ elimination from the competition.
Lukaku missed several goal-scoring opportunities against the Croats and Martinez resigned a few days after Belgium’s elimination.
Lukaku is back in training for Inter but won’t be available for today’s friendly match against Real Betis in Spain.
Simone Inzaghi hopes to have his star striker back for the first Serie A match of 2023 against Napoli on January 4.