Romelu Lukaku: Inter Milan striker in Belgium squad for Wales World Cup qualifier

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Romelu Lukaku has also played for Chelsea, West Brom, Everton and Manchester United

Romelu Lukaku has been named in Belgium's squad for their World Cup qualifier against Wales despite Inter Milan players being blocked from leaving Italy.

Milan's health authority made the decision to stop Inter players joining up with their national teams because of Covid-19 cases at the Serie A club.

But forward Lukaku has been called up by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, while Eden Hazard misses out through injury.

Belgium host Wales on 24 March.

They also face Czech Republic and Belarus in the upcoming international break.

Serie A leaders Inter have had Saturday's home game against Sassuolo postponed after Stefan de Vrij and Matias Vecino tested positive for coronavirus, with captain Samir Handanovic and Danilo D'Ambrosio already isolating at home.

Denmark's Christian Eriksen and Croatia's Ivan Perisic are also among those who will miss out as a result of the decision, revealed in a statement from Inter.

The loss of ex-Manchester United striker Lukaku - the second top scorer in Serie A this season - would be a significant blow for Belgium.

Real Madrid forward Hazard is not included despite making his first club appearance since January last weekend amid ongoing issues with an ankle injury.

Belgium are already without Borussia Dortmund midfielder Alex Witsel, who had surgery on an Achilles problem in January.

Belgium are ranked top of Fifa's world rankings but have failed to beat Wales in their past four meetings, the most recent the 3-1 victory for Chris Coleman's men in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

Martinez has called up a host of star names, including Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and Napoli forward Dries Mertens.

Wales, meanwhile, are yet to confirm whether Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey will be fit to report for international duty.

Caretaker manager Rob Page named the 30-year-old in his 31-man squad for the game on Monday, but admitted he would have to discuss matters with Juve after an unspecified injury ruled him out of their game against Cagliari last weekend.