Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Romelu Lukaku could play for Belgium despite ankle problem - sources

Romelu Lukaku is still in contention to play for Belgium against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday despite missing training for three consecutive days because of an ankle injury, sources have told ESPN FC.

The Manchester United striker is rated as having a "small chance" of featuring in Sarajevo at the weekend, with Belgium also in action against Cyprus in Brussels on Tuesday.

Lukaku had a scan on his ankle on Monday after picking up the problem in training with United last Friday. He needed pain-killing injections before being passed fit to face Crystal Palace last Saturday but has not trained since.

He missed sessions at the Belgian Football Centre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, instead following an individual training programme.

However, sources have told ESPN FC that, as things stand, there are no plans to send Lukaku back to Manchester early and the 24-year-old could still line up against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Stadion Grbavica.

"We have to be patient," Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said. "We are in touch with United's medical staff. We'll take a decision on Friday."

He added: "At the moment, Romelu is working separately," Martinez told a news conference on Wednesday. He has not joined the group yet since he arrived. We need to be a little bit patient. I would say he is very uncertain for Saturday.

"We will make a decision probably on Friday, but I would say that it is a little bit difficult for him to be involved on Saturday but we are still hopeful he will be involved on Tuesday.

"He wants to play. He came with a little bit of a sore ankle. It is important that he gets that fully recovered. It is a period of the season that is really busy.

"We will give it as long as we can to make the final call but he is very uncertain for Saturday."

Marouane Fellaini is also yet to train with his Belgium teammates this week because of the ankle problem he suffered in a challenge with Shane Long during United's 1-0 win over Southampton on Sept. 23, although he is expected to recover before Saturday's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Belgium have already booked their place at next summer's World Cup in Russia.

United, meanwhile, face a trip to Anfield to play Liverpool immediately after the international break on Oct. 14.

Lukaku has made a flying start to his United career, with his form earning him the PFA Player of the Month for August and September.

He has scored 11 goals in his first 10 games following his £75 million move from Everton in the summer. Seven of those have come in the Premier League and he has found the net in his last eight consecutive games for club and country.

Lukaku won 53 percent of the vote for September, with second and third-placed Harry Kane and Alvaro Morata taking 15 percent each.

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