Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final disruptons have been hit by a club vs country row, just hours before they face Spain. Belgian defender Zeno Debast has been banned from featuring for the Red Devils by his club Sporting Lisbon.
He is yet to feature for Rudi Garcia’s side in the World Cup, but it appears he may not be able to appear, even if he and his manager wanted to. It’s understood Sporting have concerns over his fitness after suffering a thigh injury in May while playing for the Portuguese heavyweights. Despite being called up by his country, he will not be able to compete, the Belgian FA have confirmed.
A spokesperson from the Royal Belgian Football Association said: “Zeno Debast will not be available for the quarter final. His club, Sporting CP, have informed the player that they did not consider him to be medically fit to play matches.
“This assessment differs from that of the Red Devils’ medical staff, as well as Fifa‘s medical and insurance authorities. Zeno is currently training individually under the supervision of the RBFA’s Performance Department.”
Debast flew back to Belgium shortly after he picked up his injury with his club for national team doctors could investigate the injury. Not long after, Garcia included him in his 26-man World Cup squad.
Debast had to sit out of Belgium’s group stage matches, which saw them draw 1-1 with Egypt and 0-0 with Iran, before overcoming New Zealand 5-1. He was also absent in Belgium’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Senegal in the round of 32.
However, he was included in the squad when his team-mates overcame World Cup hosts the USA 4-1 in the round of 16. The fact his club are preventing him from playing against Spain will disappoint him, as Debast claimed he was feeling positive about his injury.
After missing the group stage matches, he said: “Everything is going as planned. I feel good. As a player, it is not easy to watch your team train and play without being able to participate. But, I am grateful to be here and to be able to work on my return here.”
Spain and Belgium face off today in Los Angeles. Their clash will kick off at 8pm BST.