Zeno Debast’s MRI Update: Belgium’s Midfield Hope Not Ready for New Zealand but Can Begin Training
Belgium midfielder Zeno Debast will not be available for the national team’s upcoming friendly against New Zealand on June 14 but can begin on-field training following an MRI scan, according to official team sources. The 21-year-old, who has been recovering from a persistent thigh injury, represents the latest setback for Belgium’s squad depth ahead of a critical summer window.
What the MRI Revealed: Debast’s Availability for New Zealand
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirmed through team medical staff that Debast underwent an MRI on June 8 at the team’s training facility in Tubize. While the scan ruled out serious structural damage, it revealed ongoing inflammation that requires further rehabilitation before he can return to competitive play.
According to a source close to the Belgium coaching staff, “The MRI showed no major tears or long-term damage, but the recovery timeline has been extended. Zeno can now begin light on-field work under supervision, but a return to match fitness for New Zealand is not realistic.”
Key timeline:
- June 14: Belgium vs. New Zealand (friendly) – Debast unavailable
- June 20: Belgium vs. Egypt (friendly) – Possible return if progress continues
- July 2025: UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers – Long-term availability uncertain
Why This Matters: Belgium’s Midfield Depth in Question
Debast’s absence adds to Belgium’s injury concerns ahead of two critical friendlies. The Red Devils have already seen key players sidelined, including Romelu Lukaku (back injury), Thorgan Hazard (hamstring), and Charles De Ketelaere (calf). With only 22 players available for the New Zealand match—down from the usual 26—Roberto Martínez’s squad will need to rely on younger talents like Dodi Lukaku (18) and Jeremie Frimpong (20) to fill midfield gaps.
Debast, a 2022 European Championship semifinalist with Belgium, has been a standout for Club Brugge and the national team since his debut in 2021. His versatility—playing as a central midfielder or attacking midfielder—makes his absence particularly problematic for Martínez.
Comparison: In the 2022 Euro campaign, Belgium lost Thibaut Courtois to injury early, forcing Martínez to rely on Simon Mignolet and youngsters. Debast’s injury risks a similar midfield shuffle.
How Debast’s Injury Affects Belgium’s Tactical Flexibility
Martínez’s Belgium squad thrives on positional fluidity, with players like Leandro Trossard (also recovering from a setback) and Yannick Carrasco often rotating into midfield roles. Debast’s absence could force Martínez to:
- Deploy Jeremy Doku in a deeper midfield role (he played as a forward in the recent 3-0 loss to Morocco)
- Increase reliance on Amine Adli (22) as a box-to-box midfielder
- Experiment with Charles De Ketelaere in a more defensive midfield position if he returns fit
New Zealand, managed by Anthony Hudson, will likely exploit Belgium’s midfield vulnerabilities with a high-pressing, direct approach. The All Whites have shown resilience in recent friendlies, including a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica in March.
What Happens Next: Debast’s Rehabilitation Timeline
Debast’s medical team has outlined a phased return:
- June 11–13: Light jogging and agility drills (no contact)
- June 14–17: Small-group scrimmages (if no setbacks)
- June 18–20: Full-speed training and sparring (pre-Egypt match)
- July 2025: Full clearance for Euro 2028 qualifiers (if progress continues)
Team doctors emphasize that Debast’s recovery hinges on avoiding reinjury. “The first two weeks are critical,” said a source. “If he can maintain his fitness without aggravating the inflammation, we can accelerate his timeline.”
Context: Debast’s injury follows a pattern of midfield setbacks for Belgium in 2025. In March, Courtois suffered a season-ending knee injury, while Doku struggled with consistency after his move to Borussia Dortmund.
Broader Implications: Belgium’s Summer of Uncertainty
With Euro 2028 qualifiers beginning in September, Belgium’s injury crisis raises questions about squad depth. Key concerns:
- Goalkeeping: Only Mignolet (34) and Arthur Vermeeren (23) are fully fit.
- Defense: Toby Alderweireld (34) and Jason Denayer (32) are aging, with no clear successors.
- Midfield: Debast, Trossard, and Courtois (if he recovers) form the core—losing any could disrupt Martínez’s system.
Martínez has repeatedly stressed the need for “adaptability” in 2025. “We have a young squad, but injuries are part of the game,” he said after the Morocco loss. “Our focus is on managing the situation and giving young players the opportunity to step up.”
Comparison to 2022: Belgium entered Euro 2022 with a similarly deep squad but lost Courtois early and Kevin De Bruyne to a hamstring injury in the semifinals. This year’s qualifiers may test Belgium’s ability to recover from setbacks.
How to Follow Belgium’s Injury Updates
For real-time updates on Debast’s recovery and Belgium’s squad news:
- Official RBFA News
- UEFA Euro 2028 Qualifiers
- Belgium National Team Schedule
- Club Brugge (Debast’s Club) for player updates
Next Match: Belgium vs. New Zealand – June 14, 2025, 20:45 UTC+2 (18:45 UTC) at King Power Stadium, Leicester, England. The match will be broadcast live on BeIN Sports (Europe) and Sky Sports (UK).
Debast’s return timeline remains fluid, but one thing is clear: Belgium’s midfield battle will define their summer. With Euro 2028 qualifiers looming, Martínez will need to balance youth development with experience—all while managing a squad thinner than expected.
What do you think? Will Debast be back in time for Egypt? Share your predictions in the comments below.
