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Romelu Lukaku is facing a fight to be fit against England after damaging his “external ankle ligament” in Belgium’s 5-2 win against Tunisia.
The Belgian forward scored twice but was withdrawn in the 59th minute and manager Roberto Martinez confirmed Lukaku will be assessed after trying to play through the injury.
“It was a knock that he had late in the first half and he tried to play through it but he couldn’t,” said the Spaniard. “He’s going to be assessed and then we’ll find out a big more in 48 hours.”
England play Belgium on Thursday in the final game of Group G which will likely determine which side qualifies as group winners.
World Cup: Belgium vs Tunisia player ratings
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Belgium hold a commanding lead in the group with their superior goal difference which could prompt Martinez to play a weaker side against England.
“There’ll be opportunities for other players, there’ll be opportunities to give minutes to other players who deserve them. We need to assess the three injury concerns. We’ll assess them and make decisions based on that but there will be major changes against England.”
Eden Hazard opened the scoring with an early penalty and added another with a solo effort after the break but also came off with a minor injury.
“I felt in the first half something in my calf but not something big,” said Hazard. “I think it’s going to be ok.”
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