Napoli winger Dries Mertens is in Belgium’s preliminary World Cup squad, but Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is only a stand-by.
Napoli winger Dries Mertens is in Belgium’s preliminary World Cup squad, but Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is only a stand-by.
Nainggolan had been hoping to earn his spot in the 23 going to Brazil this summer, as his performances have impressed since joining the Giallorossi in January.
However, he has been left behind by Coach Marc Wilmots, who did call Napoli man Mertens and Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj.
It was a curious situation for Januzaj, who was born in Belgium to ethnic Albanian parents from Kosovo, making him eligible for Belgium, England, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia and Turkey.
Nainggolan is on the stand-by list of six players along with Michy Batshuayi, Guillaume Gillet, Thorgan Hazard, Sébastien Pocognoli and Jelle van Damme.
Belgium World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Silvio Proto
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Anthony Vanden Borre, Laurent Ciman, Vincent Kompany, Daniel Van Buyten, Thomas Vermaelen, Nicolas Lombaerts, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Steven Defour, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembélé, Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Januzaj
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas