Belgian national team physiotherapist Lieven Maesschalck expects that while Inter striker Romelu Lukaku could be fit for the World Cup, it is too early to say whether or not he will be fit for the opening match.
Speaking to Belgian news outlet HLN, Maesschalck spoke about the 29-year-old’s condition, explaining that he will be assessed in terms of fitness, and that at this point he’s not sure whether or not he will be able to play against Canada in Belgium’s opener.
Lukaku is almost certain to miss Inter’s remaining Serie A matches before the World Cup break through injury.
However, the 29-year-old is still targeting playing in the World Cup with his country.
The Red Devils’ opener is in just under three weeks, as they are set to play Canada later this month.
Lukaku will be aiming to get back to fitness as soon as he can so that he can make an impact for his country, but at this stage it is not certain whether he will be able to or not, according to Maesschalck.
“We’ll see what the prognosis is and then decide whether or not he’ll stay here in Belgium.”
“Romelu has a lot of experience and could do it,” he continued.
“We’ve already had the cases of Axel Witsel at the Euros and Vincent Kompany at the World Cup,” he noted.
“So this is not the first time we’ve had something like this, and Romelu is mentally strong enough that he can be ready.”
Asked about the availability of Lukaku for Belgium’s opener against Canadada, Maesschalck said that “At the moment I can’t say anything about that, we’ll have to wait for more tests to take place.”
