World Cup 2018: Romelu Lukaku suffers ankle ligament injury in Tunisia win and could miss England clash
The striker is currently the joint top scorer at the World Cup, with four goals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Romelu Lukaku is facing a fight to be fit against England after damaging his “external ankle ligament” in Belgium’s 5-2 win against Tunisia.
The Belgian forward scored twice but was withdrawn in the 59th minute and manager Roberto Martinez confirmed Lukaku will be assessed after trying to play through the injury.
“It was a knock that he had late in the first half and he tried to play through it but he couldn’t,” said the Spaniard. “He’s going to be assessed and then we’ll find out a big more in 48 hours.”
England play Belgium on Thursday in the final game of Group G which will likely determine which side qualifies as group winners.
Belgium hold a commanding lead in the group with their superior goal difference which could prompt Martinez to play a weaker side against England.
“There’ll be opportunities for other players, there’ll be opportunities to give minutes to other players who deserve them. We need to assess the three injury concerns. We’ll assess them and make decisions based on that but there will be major changes against England.”
Eden Hazard opened the scoring with an early penalty and added another with a solo effort after the break but also came off with a minor injury.
“I felt in the first half something in my calf but not something big,” said Hazard. “I think it’s going to be ok.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments