Lukaku to Miss Belgium's World Cup Opener, Return Uncertain

Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku faces an uncertain return to action, with coach Roberto Martinez revealing the 29-year-old forward will miss the World Cup opener against Canada on Wednesday night. Lukaku, who hasn't played a full 90 minutes since Inter Milan's Serie A opener against Lecce on August 13, has been sidelined with a left thigh injury since October 29. Martinez stated that the player's progress is steady, but a timeline for his return remains unclear.

Key Takeaways:

• Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's striker, will miss the World Cup opener against Canada due to a left thigh injury.
• Lukaku hasn't played a full 90 minutes since Inter Milan's Serie A opener against Lecce on August 13.
• The player has been progressing steadily, but no timeline for his return has been set.
• Captain Eden Hazard will start against Canada despite seeing diminished playing time at Real Madrid this season.
• Hazard has made only two starts for Real Madrid - in La Liga on September 11 and in the Champions League on October 11.
• Martinez expressed confidence that Hazard's presence in the dressing room benefits the team.
• Lukaku's potential return seems uncertain, with coach Martinez suggesting it might not be until the third game.
• Eden Hazard has not played a full 90 minutes since October 11, sparking concerns about his fitness.
• Roberto Martinez believes having Eden Hazard on the team makes them a better squad.

Statistics:

• Romelu Lukaku's last full 90-minute match: Inter Milan's Serie A opener against Lecce on August 13.
• Lukaku's last match appearance: October 29, due to a left thigh injury.
• Eden Hazard's starts in La Liga: September 11.
• Hazard's starts in the Champions League: October 11.
• Anders' mentions of Eden Hazard's diminished playing time.

Sources:

• The Associated Press