Subhi Agrawal
As per coach Domenico Tedesco, Belgium’s squad for next week’s Nations League matches includes Kevin De Bruyne,33, but excludes Romelu Lukaku, who requested time off to focus on fitness following his move from Chelsea to Napoli.
“Fresh Players To Test A Little Bit”
In a report by SportStar, Tedesco said at a press conference, “We have these six months now till we start the qualification for the World Cup to try something. We can bring in fresh players to test a little bit, see how they’re going to perform and to give them the stage.”
There are enough guesses on the international future of Kevin De Bruyne, who had expressed concerns about a potentially exhausting season after committing both to Manchester City and the Belgian national team.
De Bruyne Remains Crucial
Despite omitting several regulars to make room for younger players, coach Domenico Tedesco stated that De Bruyne remains crucial to his strategy for integrating younger talent during the Nations League Group A2 matches from September to November.
On September 6, Belgium will begin their Nations League campaign against Israel, with the match moved from Brussels to Debrecen, Hungary, due to security concerns, and then after three days, face France in Lyon.
“We know their qualities so we can try others now. But Kevin (De Bruyne) is an exception. Kevin is our captain and I think that around Kevin we can let grow these young players,” the coach added as Yannick Carrasco, Leonardo Trossard and Axel Witsel have been withdrawn after the coach explained his plans, however, they might be called up again.
Lukaku Requested Some Time Off
The squad features a first call-up for Julien Duranville,18, from Borussia Dortmund.
The coach went on to say that Lukaku has requested some time off as he wants to focus on his fitness, however, he was expected back later in the year, the coach added.
Lukaku’s transfer from Chelsea to Napoli was finalized on August 30, 2024. The move comes as part of Napoli’s efforts to strengthen their attacking options.
Central defender Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois refused to play under coach Tedesco.
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