Roberto Martinez includes Lukaku, Mertens and Doku in Belgium World Cup squad

Belgium's national football coach Roberto Martinez has announced his 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup. The Red Devils' coach included Romelu Lukaku at the core, despite his hamstring injury. Dries Mertens and Jérémy Doku also made it to the selection.

Martinez opted for three goalkeepers with Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet and Koen Casteels. The six defenders are Toby Alderweireld, Zeno Debast, Leander Dendoncker, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate and Jan Vertonghen. Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer will not accompany the Red Devils to Qatar.

In midfield, the choices were Axel Witsel, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken. Wingbacks on duty are Timothy Castagne, Thomas Meunier, Yannick Carrasco and Thorgan Hazard. Belgium's top striker Romelu Lukaku will join the team despite his recent injury, accompanied by Michy Batshuayi and Loïs Openda. Behind them, captain Eden Hazard, Leandro Trossard, Dries Mertens, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere should help support the attack.

Bryan Heynen, Dodi Lukebakio, Alexis Saelemaekers and Jason Denayer standby as reserves. Divock Origi may put away his World Cup hopes altogether.

The Devils start their World Cup on November 23rd against Canada. Next up are group matches against Morocco (November 27th) and Croatia (December 1st).

(BRV)

_{Belgium's national football coach Roberto Martinez | © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR | © BELGA VIDEO MAARTEN WEYNANTS}