Inter striker Romelu Lukaku is only on the bench for Belgium with Charles De Ketelaere, as Dries Mertens starts in the World Cup showdown with Marcelo Brozovic’s Croatia.

It kicks off at 15.00 GMT and is effectively a play-off for passage to the Round of 16 in Qatar.

Belgium had hoped that they would have Lukaku fit for the starting XI in this crucial match, which would’ve been his first start in all competitions since the end of August.

However, that muscular problem continues to be an issue and he is only left on the bench with Milan’s De Ketelaere, as coach Roberto Martinez surprisingly picks former Napoli striker Dries Mertens.

It was meant to be something of an Inter derby, with Brozovic playing a key role in the Croatia midfield and his former teammate Ivan Perisic in the attacking trident.

Croatia only need a draw to secure their qualification, whereas Belgium have to win.

Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Kramaric, Livaja, Perisic

Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Castagne, Dendoncker, Witsel, Trossard; De Bruyne, Carrasco; Mertens

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