Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Belgium could line up for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Italy.
Belgium‘s task will be perfectly clear on Thursday evening, as they must win to stay in contention for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals when welcoming Italy to Brussels.
The Red Devils’ League A Group 2 campaign has not progressed smoothly so far, and head coach Domenico Tedesco is facing several selection issues due to the absence of several senior players.
In addition to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – who has previously stated he will not play under Tedesco again – captain Kevin De Bruyne is the headline absentee this week.
Veteran defender Thomas Meunier is also joined by Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku, Atalanta BC creator Charles De Ketelaere and Aston Villa midfield fulcrum Youri Tielemans on the sidelines, while Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia and Club Brugge full-back Maxim De Cuyper may not be fit until Sunday’s game against Israel.
Tedesco has chosen to call up Samuel Mbangula, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Arthur Vermeeren as cover, and the latter could come into Belgium’s engine room, which will sorely miss the input of experienced campaigners such as Tielemans and De Bruyne.
The Italy-born German coach has been met with better news up front, as all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku is available – the Napoli striker withdrew last month while still settling into life at his latest Serie A club.
As a result, Tedesco will most likely drop Lois Openda to the bench despite his goal in October’s loss to France; meanwhile, Doku’s absence could be good news for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, who recently scored against Girona in the Champions League and added a second-half strike against NAC Breda on Saturday.
Saudi Arabia-based Koen Casteels is the man in possession, but Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels has impressed in the Premier League this season, so it is neck-and-neck regarding who features between the posts.
Belgium possible starting lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate; Mangala, Onana, Vermeeren; Bakayoko, Lukaku, Trossard
> Click here to see how Italy could line up for this League A Group 2 contest
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