Red Devils gather in Sclessin ahead of clash with Turkey
The Red Devils held a training session this Thursday morning in Sclessin, with all the players selected by Mark van Bommel present, according to RTBF. This meeting comes a few hours before the match against Turkey, scheduled for this Friday at 20:45 in a sold‑out stadium.
Presence of Trossard and Penders
Leandro Trossard and Mike Penders, absent during the first two Nations League matches against Italy and France, took part in the session. Their presence does not guarantee a place in the starting lineup, Mark van Bommel reminding that their injuries still need to be monitored.
Injury situation
Trossard is recovering from a traumatic bone edema of the calcaneus, while Penders missed the first two appointments due to a slight quadriceps injury. No official statement has confirmed their availability for Friday's match.
Nations League context
After the 0‑1 defeat to France, Belgium, second in League A group, is preparing to face Turkey, last in the standings with no points. France leads with six points, Italy occupies third place with three points. The Dutch coach will have to adjust his eleven, notably by resting Roméo Lavia in favor of Nicolas Raskin and giving Hans Vanaken some time thanks to a possible rest for Kevin De Bruyne.
Standard and the Red Devils favor Roméo Lavia over Nicolas Raskin
Diego Moreira is suspended for the fixture, prompting Mark van Bommel to consider Dodi Lukebakio as a replacement. Other possible changes involve the right side of the defence, where Timothy Castagne could be replaced, as well as Charles De Ketelaere, whose performance against France was disappointing.
The squad totals 28 players present at training, including the two goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards, reflecting the manager's desire to have enough depth to cope with Turkey's negative momentum, which lost 0‑1 to France then 1‑4 to Italy.
The match, broadcast live on .be from 20:45, provides an opportunity for Belgium to bounce back and solidify its second place in the group.