Romelu Lukaku
Immediate impact as substitute
Lukaku generated two shots (zero on goal) in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Egypt.
Analysis: Lukaku came on as a substitute in the second half of Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt and made an immediate and decisive impact, running onto a cross from the right and lurching to tap the ball into the net only for Mohamed Hany to get there first and turn it into his own goal just 23 seconds after Lukaku's introduction, one of the fastest impacts by a substitute in World Cup history. The Napoli striker also registered two shots after coming on as Belgium pushed for a winner in the final 20 minutes, with his physical presence in the box and ability to hold up play and draw defensive attention changing the entire dynamic of the match from the moment he entered. Lukaku's immediate impact will reignite the debate around his starting role for the Iran fixture, with his ability to attract defenders and create space for teammates giving Belgium a fundamentally different attacking profile to what Charles De Ketelaere offers from the first whistle.
Returns with national team
Lukaku (hip) made a 17-minute appearance and scored the second of Belgium's goals in Tuesday's 2-0 friendly win over Croatia.
Analysis: Lukaku bounced back to competitive play following a three-month absence, and he quickly found the back of the net in his first chance. The experienced striker is now ready to compete for a major role at the international level, serving as an alternative to Charles De Ketelaere, who has recently been used in the middle of the front line. While not guaranteed to start, Lukaku is one of the top attacking threats of a squad that could benefit from a favorable group-stage schedule.
Scores in friendly
Lukaku (hip) scored during Thursday's 3-0 training match victory over Standard de Liege's reserve side at the Proximus Basecamp, providing a significant boost to his World Cup preparations and reassuring everyone around the national team about his physical condition, according to Muzamel Rahmat of Walfoot.
Analysis: Lukaku had been limited to just 64 minutes of competitive football all season with Napoli due to injury, making his goal in the training match a meaningful milestone in his bid to be ready for the tournament. Coach Rudi Garcia is planning to reintegrate him gradually rather than starting him in the opener against Egypt, with Charles De Ketelaere likely to feature in a false nine role or Matias Fernandez-Pardo starting up front for the first fixtures as Lukaku builds his sharpness. The veteran's future at Napoli beyond the World Cup looks increasingly uncertain with several offers reportedly arriving from Saudi Arabia, but for now the focus is entirely on peaking at the right moment for Belgium's Group G campaign.
Feeling good in preparation
Lukaku (hip) insists he is in better physical shape than he was ahead of the 2022 World Cup and is working hard to regain match sharpness in time for the tournament, according to Martin Weynants of the RTBF. "I feel better and better. I am in better shape than before the 2022 World Cup, I should not have gone to Qatar at the time. I am not going there thinking I will already be a starter. Nor that I will play an hour. That would be completely crazy to think. I have only played 64 minutes. You have to remain a little reasonable. I will do everything to be ready and I will be able to make my contribution to the team at a later stage."
Analysis: Lukaku has managed just 64 minutes of competitive football this season due to multiple injuries and is being realistic about his role heading into the tournament, tempering expectations while committing to doing everything possible to be ready. Belgium are organizing special training matches specifically to help him regain competitive rhythm, with Lukaku also clarifying that he has no intention of leaving Napoli this summer despite the controversy surrounding his rehabilitation in Belgium, insisting his love for the club remains intact with one year remaining on his contract.
Returning to Belgium
Lukaku is heading back to Belgium to work on his conditioning ahead of the World Cup, La Repubblica reported.
Analysis: Lukaku won't play in the last two Napoli matches and will be evaluated by the national team's medical staff in the next few weeks, considering he hasn't played in over two months. He has featured just six times, scoring once, this campaign, because of multiple injuries, adding three shots (two on target) and two chances created.
Out versus Bologna
Lukaku (hip) won't be selected for Monday's fixture versus Bologna and might not be available for any of the last three rounds, Mediaset reported.
Analysis: Lukaku has worked separately from the rest of the group since returning to Italy and is unlikely to play in the last two tilts, although the decision isn't set in stone at this stage.
Back in Italy
Lukaku (hip) has returned to Naples and trained individually, the club announced.
Analysis: Lukaku reported back to his team after two separate rehab stints abroad, the first of which hadn't been concurred. He could potentially be available for one of the final three matches if the coach deems him fit enough to contribute. He hasn't appeared in over two months at this point and never got into a rhythm after an early serious thigh injury.
Will keep rehabbing abroad
Lukaku (hip) returned to Naples and agreed to pay a fine for his impromptu hiatus, but will head back to Belgium to recover from his injury, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: Lukaku cleared the air with his club after deciding to stay away on his own following the last international break, but he'll quickly fly back to his home country to recuperate and work on his conditioning. He doesn't have a clear timetable at this stage. Rasmus Hojlund and Giovane will be the options in the role for a while longer.
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