Dodi Lukebakio is one of the few bright spots at Hertha this season Photo: City Press
From BZ/dpa
Hertha striker Dodi Lukebakio is not in Belgium’s World Cup squad, but still has a chance of taking part in the tournament in Qatar.
The 25-year-old is one of four players who are on standby until the start of the tournament, the Belgian Football Association announced on Thursday. Because in the 26-man squad of national coach Roberto Martinez there are three currently injured professionals.
Among them is the injured star striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan. Lukaku has struggled so far this season, only appearing in four Serie A games and one Champions League game for Inter. The 29-year-old has massive muscular problems.
“As we all know, he is not completely fit. But we first have a preliminary round and then a new tournament from the knockout phase. And we believe that from a medical point of view he can play an important role for us from the knockout stages,” said Belgium national coach Roberto Martinez.
Lukebakio, Hertha’s most successful attacker so far this season, said at the weekend: “Of course I dream of the World Cup, but my full focus is on Hertha. The most important thing is the Bundesliga.” The 25-year-old winger has played five international matches so far.
Hertha’s former captain Dedryck Boyata, who returned to his home country for Club Brugge in the summer, is not in the Red Devils squad. Belgium will meet Canada in their first round match at the World Cup on November 23.