FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - United States v Belgium - Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, U.S. - July 6, 2026 Belgium's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their fourth goal REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo

Belgium coach Mark van Bommel played down concerns over Romelu Lukaku's limited involvement in his first two matches in charge but said he could not guarantee Belgium’s top scorer playing ​ time against Turkey on Friday.

His limited role raised questions over the international future of the 33-year-old, who has scored 93 goals in 133 appearances ​ for Belgium.

"It is absolutely not the case that Romelu cannot come on or start. Quite ​ the opposite, ” Van Bommel told a press conference on Thursday ahead of the ⁠ match in Liege.

"It depends on what we think we need in a particular phase or situation. ​ He has certain qualities, but I felt that in that match we were playing a little further ​ away from goal, which meant we could use pace. The only disadvantage is that he hasn’t played much for Fenerbahce."

Lukaku has had little playing time at club level recently. Injury and a disagreement with Napoli meant he did not ​ start a match last season and made only a handful of substitute appearances.

"I also explained to him that I chose pace, not because he is doing badly, because he is training well. But it’s not the case that you play based on good training sessions, or vice versa. But you don’t need to read anything major into it.

Lavia has struggled over the last three seasons with frequent injuries.