Roberto Martinez has recalled at least three of the eleven “reservists” for the start of training for the Red Devils on Monday in Tubize. They are Zinho Vanheusden (Standard), Brandon Mechele (Bruges) and Sambi Lokonga (Anderlecht). It is not said that the three (or even one of the three) will be on the list of 26. But Martinez probably wants to avoid ending up with 25 players if Axel Witsel were to forfeit. Witsel has started training with the ball after his severe Achilles tendon injury, but specialists maintain it would be a miracle if he participates in the Euro.
Sambi Lokonga (who is currently on vacation to a hot country) would be a direct replacement for Witsel, a selection of Vanheusden or Mechele would mean Dendoncker would go middle.
Another news from Tubize: the government’s decision to no longer administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to people under the age of 41 has a direct impact on the Devils. They will receive the Pfizer vaccine, which will require a second dose … in full Euro. They will therefore not be fully protected at the start of the tournament and will receive the second dose at the end of it.
