Zeno Debast
SCPBelgium
Right
Oct 24, 2003
22
6'3"
172 lb
CB
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Sporting CPTargeting third group game
Debast (muscular) is making better than expected progress in his recovery and is targeting a return for Belgium's third group stage fixture against New Zealand on June 27, according to Pierre Ghislain of 7sur7.
Analysis: Debast had suffered a muscular injury during training with Sporting CP on May 11, with initial reports from Portugal suggesting a six-week absence that cast serious doubt over his entire World Cup participation. However, the latest update indicates he is slightly ahead of his recovery program, giving coach Rudi Garcia genuine hope of having the center-back available for at least the final group stage fixture. While the first two matches against Egypt and Iran are expected to come too soon for Debast, his potential availability for the New Zealand clash could prove crucial depending on how Belgium's group stage campaign unfolds.
Dealing with leg injury
Debast suffered a leg injury during a training session with Sporting CP Lisbon and will undergo medical tests to determine the severity of the issue, leaving his World Cup participation with Belgium in serious doubt, according to A Bola.
Analysis: Debast is ruled out of Sporting's remaining league fixtures, including the final round against Gil Vicente, and is also very likely to miss the Portuguese Cup final against Torreense on May 24. More critically for theyoung defender, his potential absence from Belgium's World Cup squad is a genuine concern for coach Rudi Garcia, who must decide whether to include him in the final 26-man list being announced Friday despite the uncertainty surrounding his fitness. Debast had become an important piece of manager Garcia's defensive setup and scored his first international goal against the United States during March's pre-tournament camp, with his absence representing a significant headache for the Red Devils even if he was not expected to start every fixture at the tournament.
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