Mark van Bommel named a 26-man Belgium squad on Friday for the final two matches of the Nations League group stage, leaving out Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Malick Fofana.
The squad selection aims to secure second place in the group to qualify for the competition quarterfinals. The team sits behind group leaders ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
The Red Devils travel to face Turkey on Thursday, November 12 at 18:00 CET before hosting Italy on Sunday, November 15 at 20:45 CET. Both matches will decide Belgium’s progression in the tournament.
In goal, van Bommel selected Senne Lammens of Manchester United, Maarten Vandevoordt of RB Leipzig, Chelsea’s Mike Penders, and Jari De Busser from AZ Alkmaar. Thibaut Courtois remains unavailable during his international break.
The defensive unit features Timothy Castagne of Fulham, Nathan Ngoy from LOSC, Bologna’s Arthur Theate, and Maxim De Cuyper of Brighton. They are joined by Josué Kongolo, Brandon Mechele, Joaquin Seys, and Kyriani Sabbe.
All set for the final camp of the year. 😍#SelectedByPwC pic.twitter.com/5xMZe200CQ
Koni De Winter and Zeno Debast drop out of the defensive setup from previous squads. Loïs Openda misses out due to an injury sustained at Lyon.
Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli and Chelsea's Roméo Lavia return to join Youri Tielemans, Mandela Keita, Nicolas Raskin, and Hans Vanaken in the midfield.
The forward line includes Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku, Paris Saint-Germain’s Mika Godts, and Romelu Fenerbahçe striker Romelu Lukaku. Diego Moreira, Charles De Ketelaere, Dodi Lukebakio, and Leandro Trossard complete the attacking options.
Alongside Fernandez-Pardo and Fofana, several other players exited the roster following the previous international window.
Belgium meets Turkey away from home on Thursday, November 12 at 18:00 CET. The team then returns home to play Italy on Sunday, November 15 at 20:45 CET.
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