Injury-hit Romelu Lukaku included in Belgium's World Cup squad for the fourth time

TL;DR

Romelu Lukaku has been included in Belgium's World Cup squad despite injury concerns, marking his fourth appearance in the tournament. He joins experienced teammates Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, who are also set for their fourth World Cup campaigns.

Key points

Romelu Lukaku included in Belgium's World Cup squad
Lukaku has faced injury issues this season
Belgium's first match is against Egypt on June 15

Romelu LukakuKevin de BruyneThibaut CourtoisBelgium

BRUSSELS (AP) — Romelu Lukaku's efforts to recover from injuries seem to have paid off after the Napoli striker was included in Belgium's World Cup squad Friday. Lukaku, midfield great Kevin de Bruyne and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are set to play their fourth World Cup campaigns. Lukaku has 124 games for Belgium, de Bruyne 117 and Courtois 107, making them some of the most experienced players on any team at the World Cup. They all trail 37-year-old defensive midfielder Axel Witsel, also heading into a fourth tournament. He has played for Belgium 136 times. Lukaku hasn't played for Belgium in almost a year since scoring against Wales in World Cup qualifying in June. Injuries have limited the 33-year-old striker to just five Serie A games for Napoli this season. He was selected for Belgium's most recent friendlies in March and April but withdrew from the squad over more fitness concerns. Courtois' last game for the national team was in October and he was left out of Belgium's most recent squad over injury issues, but he's been a key player for Real Madrid this season. Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard and winger bring Premier League experience up front. Coach Rudi Garcia hasn't selected 17-year-old midfielder Nathan de Cat, who would have been one of the youngest players at the World Cup. De Cat made his Belgium debut in a in March. Forward Lois Openda also misses out after spending much of the last few months on the bench. Belgium starts its World Cup campaign in Group G against on June 15 before facing six days later and on June 27. Belgium placed third at the 2018 World Cup but is looking to improve on a group-stage exit in 2022. \\_ Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, , . Defenders: , , Maxim de Cupyer, , , , , , . Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne, , , , , Axel Witsel. Forwards: , Jeremy Doku, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Romelu Lukaku, , , , Leandro Trossard. \\_ AP World Cup coverage:

Q&A

What injuries has Romelu Lukaku faced before the World Cup?

Romelu Lukaku has struggled with injuries that limited him to just five Serie A games for Napoli this season and caused him to withdraw from Belgium's recent friendlies.

When does Belgium start its World Cup campaign?

Belgium begins its World Cup campaign on June 15 against Egypt, followed by matches against Iran and New Zealand.

Who are the key players in Belgium's World Cup squad?

Key players in Belgium's World Cup squad include Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois, all of whom have extensive international experience.