Zeno Debast is the big surprise in the selection of the Red Devils, also called clubless Denayer | UEFA Nations League

Roberto Martinez’s press chat is over. Now it’s looking forward to the international matches against Wales and Orange. Until then!

For Roberto Martinez, a missed selection does not immediately mean that the World Cup is excluded. According to the national coach, many boys who are part of the promises still have a chance.

“For us, Jérémy Doku is actually part of the selection, but due to a lack of minutes at Rennes, we want him to work at the U21. That is a way for him to show himself towards the World Cup. The same goes for Koni De Winter and Yari Verschaeren. And we can go further: Julien Duranville, for example. He is an exceptional talent.”

Despite his transfer to Westerlo, Roberto Martinez had no place for Nacer Chadli in his selection. “However, there are many factors in his favour. Nacer has a unique profile and experience in a World Cup. I was also impressed with his match against Anderlecht. But we felt that he needed more time and matches. He has to be 60 minutes. being match fit go to 90. So Nacer will remain in our thoughts.”

“The treatment is going in the right direction. Romelu is normally very fit for his club. For us it was important to be extra careful with him.”

No Adnan Januzaj and Dennis Praet in the selection. “It is important for Adnan to settle down at Sevilla first,” said Martinez. “We let him work there behind the scenes, although we know that he can be decisive for us at special moments. So we will certainly keep an eye on him, but the coming weeks will be decisive for the World Cup.”

The same applies to Praet. “The situation at his club is unstable. He stayed with Leicester while other guys had a different start to the season.”

After more than a year, Dodi Lukebakio is suddenly again in the selection of the Red Devils. “He has started the season sharply at Hertha Berlin,” Martinez said. “Dodi is someone with a specific profile and showed that he is ready. Many players in his position were in the opposite situation: they changed clubs, started the season late or did not get minutes. Dodi took advantage of that.”

Roberto Martinez had a spot for the clubless Jason Denayer in his selection. Although the defender will only train and not play.

Although the national coach is clear: “Denayer will not go to the World Cup if he does not have a team,” said Martinez, who further explained the situation. “It is very unusual for a 27-year-old player of his qualities to be without a club. Jason was still very prominent for us in the qualifying campaign. We have to assist him now.”

So a first selection for Zeno Debast, who didn’t even play for the Belgian promises. “But we saw all his exceptional performances in the U19,” Martinez said. “In June there was a very specific situation. Zeno had a minor injury and would normally have played with U21, but we didn’t want to take the risk.”

“Why is he here now? Zeno has made an impressive start to the season at Anderlecht. Then you stop looking at age and consider the potential. This is a great opportunity for him to show himself.”

Roberto Martinez will announce his selection in Tubize at 12 noon. In this live blog you can then follow the explanation of his choices.