Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said on Friday forward Romelu Lukaku will miss next week’s World Cup qualifiers with an ankle injury, with the Red Devils only two points away from clinching qualification for Qatar.
Chelsea striker Lukaku’s fitness issue adds to the absence of Besiktas’ Michy Batshuayi with Martinez calling up uncapped 23-year-old Union Sant-Gillioise attacker Dante Vanzeir.
Lukaku suffered the problem in last month’s Champions League win over Malmo and has been sidelined for three games.
Belgium host Estonia on November 13 before heading to Wales three days later in their final games of the campaign.
Martinez’s side top Group E, five points clear of the Czech Republic in second place and can claim a place in next year’s World Cup two draws.
