Rudi Garcia’s pragmatic plan for Lukaku: bench start but vital impact

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said on Monday that Romelu Lukaku will not be at full fitness for the World Cup, but the striker will still feature, likely from the bench, as a decisive option in the upcoming round‑of‑16 against Senegal.

Lukaku has already been decisive twice in the tournament, and Garcia opened his remarks by noting, "It is getting better with Romelu," before adding that the striker will never be at 100% during this World Cup.

Garcia explained that recovery time varies, saying a player who tears cruciate ligaments needs six months to return to full fitness, but some athletes can be exceptional at 80% and Lukaku belongs to that group.

He said the plan to start Lukaku on the bench was logical, but against Iran he had no choice because Charles De Ketelaere was unavailable and Belgium needed a genuine striker against a low‑lying opponent.

Garcia was not convinced by Lukaku’s display versus Iran, observing that it was hard for him to start against defenders who are at 100% while he is at 70%, yet he believes the striker can change a game if he comes on later when opponents also dip to 70%.

Defending his importance, Garcia remarked that Belgium is fortunate to have such a player, recalling that he could have been a starter against Egypt or even omitted from the World Cup squad.

He concluded by asking if there are other Lukakus for Belgium, answering "no," and stating that the team had to take him, that his contributions have been good so far, and hoping he continues to help as they aim to progress.

Belgium will face Senegal in the round‑of‑16, with the match broadcast live from 22:00 on 01/07.