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LUK-ING LIKELY

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho might not be happy with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez who could START Romelu Lukaku for dead rubber game against Cyprus

ROBERTO MARTINEZ will risk the wrath of Jose Mourinho by playing Romelu Lukaku tomorrow night – after also confirming Marouane Fellaini faces a spell on the sidelines.

Manchester United striker Lukaku, 24, missed Belgium’s 4-3 win in Bosnia on Saturday with an ankle problem he picked up with his club.

 Romelu Lukaku had been training alone as he tries to prove his fitness for Belgium
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Romelu Lukaku had been training alone as he tries to prove his fitness for BelgiumCredit: Reuters

But boss Martinez has declared his hitman “100 per cent fit” to face Cyprus in the Red Devils’ final World Cup qualifier in Brussels.

And Lukaku’s outing is likely to anger United manager Mourinho - whose men visit Liverpool on Saturday - especially as Belgium have already qualified for Russia.

Martinez said: “Romelu is fit. We are in touch with Manchester United's medical team.

“I haven't received a phone call from Jose Mourinho.

 And the good news was shared by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez that Romelu Lukaku was able to take part in full training
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And the good news was shared by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez that Romelu Lukaku was able to take part in full trainingCredit: Reuters
 Belgium will be desperate to have the in-form striker ready to fire once again
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Belgium will be desperate to have the in-form striker ready to fire once againCredit: Reuters

"The reason that he wasn't in the squad in the previous game was because he wasn't 100 per cent.

"Now he is 100 per cent but we need to take into consideration that he has been with the group for only one [training] session.

"He's been working on an individual basis, really good work, but we need to keep that in mind."

Lukaku had played the full 90 minutes of United's 4-0 drubbing of hapless Crystal Palace last weekend, even scoring.

The goal took his tally to 15 in just 12 matches in all competitions for club and country in 2017-18.

The United star tweeted while away on international duty: "Another good day at @movetocure #Rehab".

Martinez had previously revealed he would also keep in touch with Lukaku's club-side over his playing chances.

He added: "Romelu would like to join in, but he must be fully recovered.

"We will wait for as long as possible to make a decision and we also keep in touch with Manchester United.

"But they can be sure we will not push him too far.”

 Romelu Lukaku has been nothing short of a revelation for Manchester United this season
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Romelu Lukaku has been nothing short of a revelation for Manchester United this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association


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