Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has suggested that the country's all-time record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku will not take part in the group stage at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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The on-loan Inter Milan forward has struggled with injuries since returning to the Serie A at the start of the season, after he struggled upon his club-record move back to the Blues in 2021.
Lukaku, however, was named in Belgium's World Cup squad ahead of the tournament despite not being "medically fit", with Martinez telling the media that he and his coaching staff believe the 29-year-old could only participate if the Red Devils progress to the knockout rounds.
"Romelu is medically not fit, I think that's clear," he told reporters on Thursday.
"Romelu is receiving treatment and has the opportunity to get himself fully fit before our first game.
"As you know, the World Cup has two different phases, one is the group phase, the only one we can prepare for.
"Then there is the knock-out phase. Medically, we feel Lukaku could make the second part, we must be responsible and think of all the possible scenarios, we think he can have a big impact in this World Cup."
Lukaku has made just five appearances for Inter this season so far, contributing to three goals in all competitions.
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