November 16, (THEWILL) – Belgium’s national football team faces additional setbacks ahead of their Nations League encounter with Israel, following multiple player withdrawals from the squad.
The match, scheduled for Sunday in Budapest, will proceed without forward Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Amadou Onana.
The Belgian football federation confirmed further absences, including Maxim De Cuyper, Romeo Lavia, and Arthur Theate, though specific injury details remain undisclosed.
This development compounds the team’s challenges after their 0-1 defeat against Italy on Thursday, which eliminated them from quarter-final contention.
The squad had already experienced significant modifications when Kevin De Bruyne requested exclusion from the final two Nations League fixtures.
Additionally, injuries sidelined Sebastiaan Bornauw, Koni De Winter, Jeremy Doku, and Youri Tielemans from selection.
In response to these circumstances, management brought Norman Bassette into the squad. The Coventry City striker, who has yet to make his international debut, provides additional attacking options for the coaching staff during this crucial period.
The match represents Belgium’s final opportunity in the current Nations League campaign, despite their elimination from advancement contention.
The fixture, relocated to neutral territory in Budapest, marks the conclusion of their Group A2 participation.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
