Belgium has included Romelu Lukaku in their World Cup squad, a decision that raises doubts. The 33-year-old striker has accumulated just 60 minutes on the pitch this season with Napoli, with only one goal in February and two months out due to a hamstring injury. His physical condition is an unknown.
How to prepare a player without competitive rhythm? 🤔
The Belgian coaching staff faces the challenge of getting a footballer who has not completed a full match since January up to speed. Recovery protocols after a hamstring injury require at least four weeks of progressive loading before competing. Without actual minutes, readapting to the pace of a World Cup is almost impossible. The risk of relapse is high.
Belgium's strategy: fielding a museum piece footballer 🏛️
It seems Belgium has decided that a Lukaku at 10% is better than any other striker at 100%. Or perhaps they trust that the hamstring will heal with pure nostalgia. We'll see if the plan is for him to run behind opposing defenders or simply stand in the area reminiscing about old times. Faith moves mountains, but not torn tendons.