Belgium faces a challenging Nations League matchup against Italy on Thursday after being struck by several injuries. Four players—Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Malick Fofana, and Joaquin Seys—have withdrawn from the squad due to injuries. Coach Domenico Tedesco has called up Samuel Mbangula, Arthur Vermeeren, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Killian Sardella as replacements.
Notably, 19-year-old Seys, who recently sustained a leg injury while playing for Club Brugge, will miss what would have been his debut with the national team. Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula, 20, and Anderlecht right-back Killian Sardella are newcomers to the senior squad, bringing fresh energy to Belgium’s roster. Arthur Vermeeren, already capped four times, and Sevilla striker Albert Sambi Lokonga, with one previous appearance, will add some experience to the group.
Currently third in Group A2, Belgium must win against Italy and then Israel in Budapest on Sunday, relying on favorable results from other games to have any chance of advancing to the quarterfinals. With Italy and France ahead of them in the standings, Belgium’s qualification hopes are slim, but the team is determined to fight for a spot.
