Mark van Bommel reassures Leandro Trossard before Turkey clash
The Red Devils held a training session on Thursday morning, where Leandro Trossard was spotted among the players present, confirming his availability for the match against Turkey scheduled for this Friday in Sclessin. Coach Mark van Bommel announced the news at a press conference that same afternoon.
Training and Availability
According to RTBF’s report, all the players selected by Mark van Bommel were present, twenty‑eight in total, including Leandro Trossard and goalkeeper Mike Penders, who missed the first two Nations League matches against Italy and France. The squad was therefore able to train at full strength ahead of the next fixture.
“Leandro is available and will also be there tomorrow. You can note that. He is on the right track after a week without training following his ankle injury. We have been cautious with him so that he can play with us, but also with Besiktas,” the coach said.
Mark van Bommel also confirmed that Mike Penders was fit to play, adding that the entire squad was available, except for suspended Diego Moreira. “All is well. Diego Moreira is suspended, but aside from that, everyone else is fit,” he clarified.
Next Clash Against Turkey
The match will take place on Friday at 20:45 in Sclessin, in a stadium that is sold out. Turkey, which lost its first two Nations League fixtures (0‑1 to France then 1‑4 to Italy), comes in poor form, but the Belgian coach does not want to underestimate them.
In the Nations League, Belgium sits second in Group A after a 0‑2 win over Italy and a 0‑1 loss to France. France leads with six points, Italy has three points and Turkey remains without any.
Tactical Outlook
Mark van Bommel could make several changes to his starting eleven. Roméo Lavia, who shone against France, could be replaced by Nicolas Raskin, a regular at the Sclessin stadium. Likewise, Kevin De Bruyne could be given a rest, opening the way for Hans Vanaken to strengthen the midfield.
The injuries of Leandro Trossard (calcaneal bone trauma) and Mike Penders (minor quadriceps injury) remain under observation, but both players took part in training, suggesting full availability for the Turkish challenge. New information on their fitness will be provided before the match.