XtraTime Web Desk: As expected, Belgium names a star-studded squad for the for the FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Boss Roberto Martinez named 15 Premier League players in an initial squad of 28 with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard set to captain the side in Russia this summer.
Nainggolan’s omission is a shock after a fine season in Serie A and in Europe. A buccaneering, all-action midfielder the 30-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League on a number of occasions with Antonio Conte attempting to bring him to Chelsea in his first summer in charge at Stamford Bridge in 2016.
He’s joined by Blues teammates Thibaut Courtois and Michy Batshuayi, who makes it despite a late season injury scare while on loan at Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester City title winners Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Matz Sels, Koen Casteels
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Leander Dendoncker, Laurent Ciman, Christian Kabasele, Vincent Kompany, Jordan Lukaku, Thomas Meunier, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Dries Mertens, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel
Forwards: Michy Batshuayi, Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku