Lukaku relapsed at the end of October from the hamstring injury that kept him off the field for just two months. The man of 68 goals in 102 international matches was sidelined against Bayern (1/11) and Juventus (6/11).
“He is in the hands of the doctors,” Martinez explained to the respected French sports newspaper. “But we know this situation, we have the experience with Vincent Kompany before the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also injured himself just before we were to announce the selection.”
“The situation is similar. The decision we will make on Thursday, just before the announcement of the list of 26 World Cup players, concerns the three matches of the first round,” said Martinez. Belgium will play against Canada on November 23, Morocco on November 27, and Croatia on December 1.
“If he’s ready to compete in one of those three group matches, he’s a player we need in our team. If he can’t compete, he won’t be selected.”
Martinez monitors the situation daily with his staff. “Right now it’s all about a medical decision.”
Lukaku dropped out at the end of August. Two weeks ago, he scored immediately in his short return in the Champions League against Pilsen, last Saturday he played 20 minutes in the competition against Sampdoria, after which he felt pain in his hamstring in his left thigh.
Lukaku is allowed to rehabilitate in Belgium. He has only played 4 Serie A matches and 7 minutes of Champions League this season.
