Charles De Ketelaere
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Minor issue not serious
De Ketelaere (undisclosed) was spotted wearing a small bandage but the issue is not believed to be serious and he is expected to be available for Sunday's clash against Iran, according HLN_BE, per Belgian Players.
Analysis: De Ketelaere's minor concern is not expected to prevent him from featuring in Belgium's second group stage fixture, though Romelu Lukaku is expected to start at the tip of the attack in his place. The versatile forward remains an important option for coach Rudi Garcia regardless of his starting role, with his ability to operate in multiple attacking positions giving the Diables Rouges valuable flexibility heading into a crucial fixture.
Limited impact as striker
De Ketelaere generated two tackles (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Egypt.
Analysis: De Ketelaere endured a difficult evening as Belgium's central striker in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering two tackles (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in a match where he was largely isolated from meaningful service and unable to impose himself on an Egyptian centre-back pairing that was physically dominant throughout the first half. The Atalanta forward was replaced by Romelu Lukaku in the second half, with the substitute's immediate impact, forcing Mohamed Hany's own goal within 23 seconds of his introduction, highlighting the difference in physicality and penalty-box presence between the two strikers. De Ketelaere's technical quality and pressing intensity give Belgium a different attacking profile from Lukaku, but Monday's performance will intensify the debate around the starting striker role ahead of the Iran fixture.
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