Tedesco keeps the door open for Alderweireld and Mertens: “But the places are expensive” | Red Devils

National coach Domenico Tedesco did not have to make any difficult decisions compared to the previous international break. Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois are still injured.

Because there is also a question mark about some other internationals, the selection exceptionally consists of 26 names. It gives the national coach the opportunity to call up Alexis Saelemaekers, Zinho Vanheusden and Aster Vranckx again.

Vanheusden is an option that the national coach keeps at hand if Jan Vertonghen does not get fit in time. The Anderlecht defender received a heavy blow on the ankle, “but we think we can prepare him for the qualifying match against Azerbaijan”.

“Alexis Saelemaekers is there as right back,” said the national coach. “Hugo Siquet did well in that position, but the promises are facing two important matches. Aster Vranckx made a good impression at Wolfsburg. We are taking him with us because Charles De Ketelaere is injured.”

Is there a chance that the national coach will add Toby Alderweireld or Dries Mertens to the selection again? “I have already spoken to Alderweireld a few times. He has withdrawn from the national team, but he has still left the door open,” said Tedesco.

“That is a reassuring feeling. The same applies to others like Dries Mertens, but the places are expensive. Everything is possible, they are not yet completely out of our minds.”

The door is also still open for Thorgan Hazard, who is once again growing into his best form at Anderlecht. Although the national coach emphasized that a return will not be easy.

“Who are you taking away from his position? I have Jérémy Doku, Dodi Lukebakio, Leandro Trossard, Johan Bakayoko in that position… The competition is fierce. Mike Trésor and Michel Ange Balikwisha are also doing well.”

“The places are expensive. We only have 20 field players for the European Championship in Germany. But we keep looking at where we can improve.”