Romelu Lukaku benched again, is his Belgium era nearing its end? | OneFootball

Belgium’s record scorer Romelu Lukaku did not come on in the 0-1 loss to France and is barely featuring for Fenerbahçe, leaving his international future in doubt.

Once a World Cup supersub under Rudi Garcia with three goals, he stayed on the bench against France on 28 September and in Italy on 25 September. Two minutes before Michael Olise scored, Matias Fernandez-Pardo replaced Charles De Ketelaere on 85 minutes. According to L'Équipe, the striker has slipped down the pecking order.

Mark van Bommel explained that Belgium were positioned deeper against France and needed direct pace out wide. He added that a lack of recent 90-minute outings is not a selection criterion and stressed Lukaku’s qualities.

Van Bommel has left Thomas Meunier out of his 28-man squad. Lukaku’s case is trickier, with Vedat Muriqi now first choice at Fenerbahçe on six goals in six League matches. Lukaku is goalless and has started only twice in the past 15 months after a near-blank spell at Napoli due to muscle problems.

The coach said he travelled to Istanbul to meet Lukaku, they speak regularly and both reviewed his situation. He noted the main issue is limited club minutes and that, late against France, he prioritised pure transition speed. He described Lukaku as fully committed and experienced in handling competition.

Whether Van Bommel’s 4-3-3, high press and back-to-goal play still suit a 33-year-old whose intensity has dipped remains an open question. Friday’s must-win game against Türkiye in Liège at 20:45 may show if his international twilight has begun.

Van Bommel contrasted De Ketelaere and Lukaku’s profiles, calling Lukaku’s presence in the box unique and highly efficient. He hopes the forward gains more minutes at Fenerbahçe to reach full rhythm, and expects him to contribute to Belgium’s collective work.

Source: L'Équipe

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