Belgium announce squad for October international break; Kevin De Bruyne left out

The Red Devils will face Italy and France in the Nations League.

For UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and France, Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco has called up four new players. But he has also left out mainstays Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

According to Tedesco, players should be tested in the Nations League. The four new additions are Maarten Vandevoordt, Matte Smets, Cyril Ngonge, and Malick Fofana.

Next week Belgium will play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and later will face France. Belgium and France are equal with three points apiece, while Italy lead the group with six points. Israel have lost their first two games and are currently in last place.

The Manchester City midfielder “is very motivated” to participate for the national team and in the next World Cup, according to Tedesco, who revealed after he spoke with the injured De Bruyne over the phone.

When Belgium lost 2-0 to France in the Nations League in Lyon last month, the captain showed his frustration openly, which raised concerns about his future in the national team.

Two 🔝 fixtures coming up. ⏳ #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/23EXW6y6KT

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 4, 2024

De Bruyne is the final surviving member of the former generation of the Belgium golden squad, along with Lukaku. He may not be around for long given how injuries have affected his performances in the last two years at City. Last month, when playing against Inter Milan in the Champions League, he sustained another injury and his return remains to be seen.

Belgium squad for October international break

Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Al Qadsiah), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), Maarten Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig).

Defenders: Sebastiaan Bornauw (VfL Wolfsburg), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting Lisbon), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge), Koni De Winter (Genoa), Wout Faes (Leicester City), Matte Smets (Racing Genk), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt).

Midfielders: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Arne Engels (FC Augsburg), Orel Mangala (Olympique Lyonnais), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa).

Forwards: Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Malick Fofana (Olympique Lyonnais), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig) Cyril Ngonge (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).

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