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World Cup 2018: Romelu Lukaku suffers ankle ligament injury in Tunisia win and could miss England clash

The striker is currently the joint top scorer at the World Cup, with four goals

Jack Watson
Saturday 23 June 2018 17:09 BST
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Belgium World Cup profile

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The Belgian forward scored twice but was withdrawn in the 59th minute and manager Roberto Martinez confirmed Lukaku will be assessed after trying to play through the injury.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.

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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