Danny Ward said it was a bonus for Wales that Chelsea centre-forward Romelu Lukaku will miss tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier.
As quoted by the Independent, Ward explained how the Welsh would be boosted by the Belgian attacker’s absence for Tuesday’s huge international clash.
Lukaku has to sit out the match due to an injury he picked up whilst representing Chelsea last month.
The twisted ankle he collected against Malmo has forced him to miss five club fixtures and one for his national team.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
Fortunately for Thomas Tuchel’s side, they have coped pretty well without their record-signing.
In the collection of Lukaku-less matches, the Blues have scored 13 goals – 16 if you include the three they netted after he was removed at home to Malmo.
Lukaku’s loss = Wales’ gain
He is expected to return not long after domestic football’s resumption on the weekend.
But before that, the 28-year-old must watch on from his sofa as Belgium travel to Ward’s Wales.
“Obviously, that’s a help for us. He’s an amazing striker,” said the Leicester City goalkeeper about Lukaku’s omission.
“He’s come back to the Premier League with Chelsea and he has proven wherever he has been he’s always scored goals.
“But Belgium are the number one ranked country in the world, so I’m sure they have got some other quality players at the top end of the pitch.
“Take a few players out and they can replace them with someone equally as good.”
Belgian brimming with quality
Roberto Martinez certainly can call upon an array of household names to fill the sizeable shoes of Lukaku.
Christian Benteke and Dries Mertens are proven forwards in two of Europe’s top leagues, whilst Divock Origi has an eye for goal.
Plus, the supporting cast isn’t too bad either.
Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco provide a blend of art, craft and intelligence.
But Wales have their own superstars to fend off the Belgian threat.
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are the standout individuals, yet Daniel James, Harry Wilson and Tyler Roberts can all pack a punch.
Not to mention Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu, who has been a steady performer for the Dragons in recent times.