Belgium has named a 26-man World Cup squad that includes striker Romelu Lukaku despite concerns regarding his current physical condition [1].
The decision is significant because Lukaku is a primary offensive threat for the national team, yet his ability to contribute immediately remains uncertain due to a recent injury and a lack of match fitness.
Coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged the risks associated with the selection. "He is out of shape," Garcia said [2]. Despite this admission, Garcia said he hopes the striker can regain the necessary fitness levels in time for the tournament's start [3].
This selection marks the fourth time Lukaku has been included in a Belgium World Cup squad [4]. His presence in the roster comes amid a period of recovery following his time with Napoli, where injury concerns persisted [2].
The coaching staff is betting on the striker's experience and proven track record on the global stage. By including him in the 26-man roster, the team maintains the option of utilizing his scoring ability if his recovery progresses as expected [1].
Belgium's preparation now centers on balancing the integration of returning veterans with players who are currently in peak form. The team must determine how to manage Lukaku's workload during the final lead-up to the tournament to avoid further injury setbacks [3].
“"He is out of shape."”
The inclusion of Romelu Lukaku suggests that Belgium views his peak performance as more valuable than the reliability of a fully fit alternative. By selecting a player who is admittedly out of shape, the team is prioritizing high-ceiling talent over tactical stability, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario for their tournament campaign.
