Tubize, Belgium – The Belgian national team will be without two key midfielders, Hans Vanaken and Leandro Trossard, for their upcoming friendlies against the United States and Mexico. Both players have been ruled out due to ongoing injury concerns, dealing a blow to head coach Rudi Garcia’s preparations for the matches in the United States.
Vanaken, the captain of Club Brugge, has been battling a hip injury that kept him out of his club’s weekend victory over KV Mechelen. Despite returning to training with the team, the club and national team staff have determined that the long journey and demanding schedule would jeopardize his recovery. Trossard, who plays for Arsenal, is similarly not fully fit, having recently returned from a hip injury himself. Arsenal indicated that rushing him back into action would be unwise.
The news comes as a setback for Garcia, who was hoping to have a full squad available for the matches against the USMNT on March 28th and Mexico on April 1st. These friendlies are crucial preparation ahead of the European Championship this summer. The Belgian Football Association confirmed both absences on Saturday, March 23rd.
Vanaken’s Injury Timeline and Impact
Vanaken initially sustained the injury in a match against Westerlo. Although he attempted to play through the discomfort, the issue persisted, forcing him to sit out Club Brugge’s recent league game. He has played 47 matches this season for Club Brugge, accumulating over 4,100 minutes on the pitch. Club Brugge officials expressed concern about exacerbating the injury during international duty, particularly with the demanding schedule ahead in the Belgian Pro League playoffs.
The absence of Vanaken leaves a void in the Belgian midfield. He is a key player known for his work rate, passing range, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Garcia will now need to rely on other options, including Kevin De Bruyne, Amadou Onana, Nathan De Cat, Nicolas Raskin, and Youri Tielemans. However, the coach has acknowledged that not all of these players are currently at 100% fitness.
Trossard’s Situation at Arsenal
Trossard recently returned to action for Arsenal, playing 82 minutes in the EFL Cup against Manchester City. Despite his appearance, Arsenal deemed him not fully recovered from his hip injury. The club and the Belgian national team agreed that it was best for him to continue his rehabilitation in London.
Trossard has been a valuable addition to Arsenal since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, scoring 26 goals in 118 appearances for the Gunners. His versatility, capable of playing as a winger or forward, makes him a significant asset for both club and country.
Lukaku Also Out. Squad Concerns Mount
The situation is further complicated by the absence of Romelu Lukaku, who has also withdrawn from the squad for the US trip, according to reports. This leaves Garcia with a growing list of unavailable players as he prepares for the important friendlies. The team is currently evaluating whether to call up replacements for the injured players.
The Belgian squad is facing a period of transition, and these injuries add to the challenges. Garcia will be looking for other players to step up and fill the void left by Vanaken, Trossard, and Lukaku. The matches against the United States and Mexico will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the depth of the squad and experiment with different tactical approaches.
The Red Devils will play the United States on Saturday, March 28th, and Mexico on Wednesday, April 1st. The games will be played in the United States, though specific venues and kickoff times were not immediately available. Fans can follow updates on the Belgian Football Association’s official website and social media channels.
This is a developing story. Archysport will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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