Without the injured Romelu Lukaku and Michy Batshuayi, Spaniard gives Divock Origi another chance. In addition, there is a first convocation for Dante Vanzeir. Wout Faes also gets his chance and Charles De Ketelaere is there again.
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Matz Sels
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Jason Denayer, Dedryck Boyata, Arthur Theate, Wout Faes
Wingbacks: Thomas Meunier, Timothy Castagne, Alexis Saelemaekers, Thorgan Hazard
Midfielders: Leander Dendoncker, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Hans Vanaken, Dennis Praet
Attackers: Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco, Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere, Dries Mertens, Christian Benteke, Divock Origi, Dante Vanzeir
© BELGA
The Red Devils almost certainly have their ticket for Qatar in their pocket. With sixteen points from six of the eight qualifying matches in their group, the Belgians are well ahead of the Czech Republic (11 points from 7 matches) and Wales (11 points from 6 matches). A three-pointer against the modest Estonians always gives Martinez’s team the qualification for Qatar.
The Devils still have a sour aftertaste after the Final Four of the Nations League last month. Thibaut Courtois and co. gave away a 2-0 lead against France (2-3) in the semi-finals and then also lost the consolation final against host country Italy (1-2). That double defeat made the call for rejuvenation in the core, which already arose after the European Championship last summer, louder again.
In the back there were question marks behind Toby Alderweireld’s name. The 32-year-old defender had to be replaced after six minutes at his club Al-Duhail on Wednesday in the league topper against Al-Sadd (3-3). But he is there. Thomas Vermaelen, for whom it is difficult to travel between Japan and Europe due to the corona rules, was not called up.
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