Belgian national team head coach Roberto Martinez feels that based on how the player feels, Inter striker Romelu Lukaku would like to be fit for Belgium’s second World Cup group stage match against Morocco.
Speaking to a press conference, as reported by FCInterNews, the Belgium coach explained that while the medical team are not as optimistic, Lukaku himself could be targeting a return against Morocco.
What is certain is that Lukaku will not be fit for Belgium’s group stage opener, tomorrow evening against Canada.
The 29-year-old is not currently training with the rest of the squad as he continues to recover from his thigh problem.
However, the hope has always been to have the Nerazzurri striker back available for later in the group stage.
The Red Devils’ second group stage match against Morocco over the weekend could be optimistic, but according to Martinez, the player himself is still hoping that he can be ready in time.
“We’re very happy with the progress of his recovery,” the coach said of Lukaku.
“Yesterday he had an excellent training session, not with the group yet, but he’s progressing steadily.”
“We don’t have an exact timeline to follow, I’m not able to say if he’ll be available for the second or third group match,” the coach continued.
Martinez explained that “If I follow the doctors’ advice, I’d say for the third game.”
“If I go by how the player feels, there’s probably a chance to have him back for the second match.”
