Mon Nov 18 00:16:55 UTC 2024: ## Injury Crisis Hits Belgium Ahead of Nations League Clash
**Budapest, Hungary** – Belgium’s already slim hopes of a successful Nations League campaign have been further hampered by a major injury crisis. Star striker Romelu Lukaku is the latest high-profile player to withdraw from the squad ahead of Monday’s crucial match against Israel.
Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, joins four other players – Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Romeo Lavia (Chelsea), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Maxim De Cuyper (Brugge) – who have also pulled out due to unspecified injuries. The withdrawals add to the existing injury concerns surrounding the squad, with Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) already ruled out due to a thigh injury, and several other players – Sebastiaan Bornauw, Koni De Winter, Jeremy Doku, and Youri Tielemans – also absent due to fitness issues.
The Red Devils, currently third in Nations League Group A2 after a 1-0 defeat to Italy, are facing a must-not-lose situation against Israel. A draw will be enough to secure a play-off spot against a third-placed team from League B, while a loss would result in automatic relegation. The match will be played behind closed doors in Hungary.
To compensate for the significant losses, uncapped Coventry City striker Norman Bassette has received his first call-up to the national team. The extent of the injuries to the withdrawn players remains unclear, casting a shadow over Belgium’s upcoming fixtures.
First Piper 