Belgium Injury Woes Ahead of Nations League Semi-Final

Key Player Doubts for De Bruyne and Co.

Untimely Injuries Mar Belgium's Preparations

With the UEFA Nations League semi-finals just days away, the Belgium national football team has been hit by a string of injuries to key players, casting a shadow over their hopes of reaching the final.

Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium's talismanic midfielder, is the most high-profile absentee after sustaining an injury in Manchester City's Premier League match against Wolves. De Bruyne has been in scintillating form this season, and his absence will be a major blow to Belgium's chances.

Adding to Belgium's woes, defender Thomas Vermaelen and midfielder Axel Witsel are also doubts for the semi-final clash against Israel. Vermaelen has been struggling with a hamstring injury, while Witsel has a knock.

The injuries have forced Belgium manager Roberto Martinez to reshuffle his squad, with uncapped Anderlecht midfielder Zeno Debast and Club Brugge defender Bjorn Meijer called up as replacements.

Despite the setbacks, Belgium will still be confident of overcoming Israel, who are ranked 86th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Belgium has a wealth of experience in their squad, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois all capable of match-winning performances.

However, Israel will be no pushovers.

The Israelis have impressed in the Nations League, topping their group ahead of Iceland, Albania, and Russia.

They also held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their last encounter in the 2020-21 Nations League.

The semi-final clash between Belgium and Israel will take place at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Thursday, October 6th.

The winners will face either Spain or Italy in the final on Sunday, October 9th.