Romelu Lukaku sits out Belgium training for second day running ahead of England clash

Romelu Lukaku sits out Belgium training for second day running as he remains major doubt for England clash

For a second day running, Romelu Lukaku has missed Belgium training ahead of the crunch World Cup clash with England.

Roberto Martinez’s side take on England in a Kaliningrad shoot-out for first place in Group G on Thursday but they could be without Lukaku, who suffered a slight ankle injury in Belgium’s 5-2 victory against Tunisia.

Following the clash with Tunisia on Saturday, Manchester United striker Lukaku had a scan on his ankle that showed no serious damage but it is unlikely he will be risked against England.

Romelu Lukaku is a big doubt for the England clash after missing Belgium training yet again

Lukaku scored twice in Belgium's 5-2 win against Tunisia but sustained a slight ankle injury

Lukaku scored twice in Belgium’s 5-2 win against Tunisia but sustained a slight ankle injury

Meanwhile, Lukaku is not the only Belgium star that Martinez may not have at his disposal on Thursday after the manager revealed he could field a reserve team.

While Martinez stressed that he will be sending his players out to win, the former Wigan and Everton boss said that he would not play anybody with an injury or any of his three players who are on yellow cards.

Hazard also picked up a slight niggle while Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier are all on yellow cards after their opening two matches.  

Roberto Martinez admitted it was 'possible' to rest all 10 outfield players from win over Tunisia

Roberto Martinez admitted it was ‘possible’ to rest all 10 outfield players from win over Tunisia

Asked if he could rest all 10 outfield players from the win over Tunisia, Martinez replied: ‘Yes, it would be possible. 

‘It would be too risky and too much of a gamble to use players who have yellow cards, as we don’t want anybody to be suspended for the next stage.

‘No professional plays to lose, so we will try to win. There is no point looking at the pathway. It is game by game.’

Belgium and England sit joint-top on six points each in Group G, with identical goal difference and the same amount of goals scored and conceded.

Belgium (pictured training on Monday) face England in a shoot-out for first place in Group G

Belgium (pictured training on Monday) face England in a shoot-out for first place in Group G

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