There are only three matches left for the Red Devils before the World Cup! Two in the Nations League next week, and a friendly against Egypt, five days before competing against Canada.
This September gathering is therefore the last before Roberto Martinez unveils his list of the 26 who will go to Qatar. The coach recalled 30 players for the occasion, including Debast and Lukebakio. Jason Denayer is also called up but Martinez has already warned he won’t play: “He will train with the squad for the whole week but won’t be ready for both matches.” As a reminder, Denayer has been without a contract since June 30 and is looking for a new club. The coach has also announced that the former Lyonnais would not go to the World Cup if he was still without a club in November.
The World Cup also seems to be moving away for Januzaj and Praet, lacking playing time in Seville and Leicester and not recalled by the coach: “Their playing time is indeed the problem concerning them. We are in contact with their club, we hope to see them play soon.” The coach also addressed the Chadli case, now at Westerlo: “His profile is unique given his versatility and his experience with us. We can’t wait to see him evolve during the next matches in this new team where he seems to quickly find its marks. According to Martinez, the door is therefore always open for Chadli, even if he has not been recalled for this rally.
The Spaniard also gave news of Romelu Lukaku, forfeited for this meeting, without however going into details: “His injury should deprive him of competition for a few weeks, we are monitoring developments closely.”
The Devils are currently in second place in their Nations League group, three points behind the Netherlands. “Our goal is clear: get a six out of six and finish first in this group to reach the Final Four again and prepare for the World Cup in the best possible way,” Martinez announced.
The 30 Devils recalled by Martinez:
Doku, Verschaeren et Vranckx avec les Espoirs
Yari Verschaeren (Anderlecht), Jérémy Doku (Rennes) and Aster Vranckx (AC Milan) have been left at the disposal of the Espoirs, who will face the Netherlands on September 23 and France on September 26. “The chances remain high for those who miss this gathering to go to the World Cup”, however reassured Martinez. “Let’s take the example of Jérémy Doku, we are counting on him and we will have an eye on his performances with the Espoirs. I could say the same thing about Yari Verschaeren or even the great talent Julian Duranville, who will evolve with the U19s.”
Given the competition for their position as attacking midfielder, however, it’s a safe bet that only one (if not any) of these three will go to Qatar.
“Using football to bring about positive change”
Roberto Martinez was also invited to react to the various controversies affecting the World Cup in Qatar. “The closer we get to the World Cup, the more debate there is about this World Cup. Over the past two years, our Federation has worked hand in hand with several Belgian institutions and Amnesty International. Our approach is clear: we wants to use football to bring about positive change. We are above all sportsmen, not politicians.”