Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku has withdrawn from Belgium's upcoming friendlies with the United States and Mexico to focus on regaining fitness. The Belgian federation confirmed the decision on Tuesday, explaining Lukaku has been sidelined for months by a hamstring injury and lacks regular playing time with his club.

Belgium faces additional absences as Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken and Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard were already ruled out due to injuries. The Red Devils will face the USMNT on Saturday in Atlanta before taking on Mexico three days later in Chicago during the current international window.

Portugal will also play in this window against the USMNT and Mexico, but will do so without Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old superstar is recovering from his own hamstring injury and will miss those matches. Belgium's World Cup campaign begins in June, making Lukaku's fitness race against time critical for their tournament hopes.