Belgian national team head coach Roberto Martinez is not yet sure whether or not Inter striker Romelu Lukaku will be able to start in the Red Devils’ final group stage match of the World Cup against Croatia.
Speaking to Belgium broadcaster RBTF, as reported by FCInterNews, the coach explained that further training sessions will be needed to evaluate whether the Nerazzurri striker can play from the start.
Lukaku did not start, but did come off the bench, for his national team as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of their second group stage match in Qatar.
This result puts all the pressure on Belgium to get a result, and likely a win, in their third and final group stage match.
Given that the Nerazzurri striker was not fit to start against Morocco and did not look match-fit when he came on, questions will be asked about whether or not the 29-year-old can start the must-win match against Croatia.
According to Lukaku’s coach, for the time being things are uncertain.
“Every team needs players who can have a decisive influence in matches,” Martinez said.
“We’re happy that we can count on Romelu again.”
“The more options there are, the better,” he added.
The coach explained that “We’ll see whether Romelu will be able to start against Croatia over the next few days, but I hope so.”
