Forfeited for Belgium, but fit for Napoli: Lukaku to play as usual this weekend | OneFootball

Although Romelu Lukaku (31) was absent from Belgium’s Nations League match against Israel, his coach Antonio Conte, will field him against AS Roma on Sunday, according to HLN.

Reports from Napoli suggest that the striker’s initial inflamed knee issues have cleared. This comes after Lukaku complained last week to the Red Devils about a dormant pain.

In consultation with the medical staff, it was decided to leave him at home for the trip to Hungary, where Belgium lost to Israel (1-0). That said, National coach Domenico Tedesco proved contradictory at the time:

“An appointment with Lukaku? That’s not true. After the match against Italy, he suffered from an inflammation in his knee. He will get an injection in the coming days. After that, he will not be able to train or play for four or five days. It is certainly not planned.”

Back in Italy, it is believed that Lukaku will soon be able to train at full capacity again – so much so that coach Conte intends to field him against former club AS Roma on Sunday, it is believed.

Lukaku has had a mixed run of form so far this season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Lukaku has four goals and four assists in ten matches in the Serie A, but has not been able to make much of an impact in recent weeks.

He did not appear in his side’s clash with Inter, and it is believed that the fans are expecting more. The Italian press is also playing its part. “Lukaku is under pressure”, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Conte and the supporters expect him to gradually improve his performances now.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield