No Vanaken, De Ketelaere or Thorgan Hazard, but the return of Saelemaekers: this is the 26-man selection of the Red Devils against Serbia and Azerbaijan

The Red Devils will play a practice match against Serbia next Wednesday and will play their last European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday, November 19. “This is a special international match, very short, with two matches, and with few training sessions,” Tedesco explained. ‘There are also several players who are unsure, which is why I have added two extra boys.’

There are no surprises in the 26-person selection. Hans Vanaken, Thorgan Hazard or Hugo Cuypers are not there. On the list, but uncertain are Jan Vertonghen, who injured his ankle against Cercle Brugge, and Amadou Onana, who is struggling with his calf. Charles De Ketelaere is not present at all due to a knee injury.

Alexis Saelemaekers celebrates his return. Aster Vranckx, Arthur Vermeeren and Zinho Vanheusden have also been called up.

During the matches, most eyes will be on Jérémy Doku, the man in form. Although it is not certain that he will always play. “We will take into account that Doku and other players have a busy schedule. His situation at Manchester City is good, but they are also careful with the playing time they give him. One thing is clear: the match against Azerbaijan has priority, which is a qualifying match,” said Tedesco.

The Red Devils have already qualified for the European Championship. Only group victory is at stake against Azerbaijan. If they win on Sunday, they will in any case be first in group F. This would probably also mean that the Belgians would be the seed during the draw for the European Championship on December 2.