The verdict is severe for Romelu Lukaku. The top scorer in the history of the Red Devils (89 goals) must undergo an operation for a muscle injury and will be absent for at least three months. The next qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup will be missing.
His injury leaves a big void. Romelu Lukaku was for years absolutely at the forefront of the Devils’ attack. Now, Rudi Garcia must seek alternatives in a more reduced selection than ever, since Big Rom should only return to the national team in March, while qualifications for the World Cup will be finished.
Loïs Openda must finally seize his luck
The first logical name that arises is that of Loïs Openda. The RB Leipzig striker has established himself in recent seasons as a regular in the selection. He was already on the list of Rudi Garcia and seems to designate himself as the natural replacement of Romelu Lukaku.
Openda has long been waiting for his real breakthrough in the jersey of the Red Devils. With eleven tenure since his beginnings in 2022, he had opportunities, but was often in the shadow of Lukaku, and associating the two did not often bear fruit. Today, there is no longer going back: Openda will be Garcia’s first choice in Vaduz against Liechtenstein on September 4.
Lucas Stassin: ambitious and in search of transfer
Lukaku’s injury could also open doors to other players. Lucas Stassin, an attacker in Saint-Etienne, can now dream out loud. He has been looking for a transfer since the start of the summer to increase his chances of participating in the World Cup. The news about Lukaku probably accentuates this pressure to go to a higher level.
Stassin has already shown great things in France, but he still has to cross a level. A club offering more visibility would considerably increase its chances for the September selection.
Romeo Vermant: Maintain your place as a starter at the club
Another young option is Romeo Vermant. The 20 -year -old striker of the Bruges club has done a good preparation and seems ready to prove himself this season in Jupiler Pro League. A few goals in August and September could immediately draw the attention of Garcia.
Vermant has the right mixture of juvenile audacity and technical baggage. Its versatility in attack is also an asset. His selection would be a surprise, but Garcia has already indicated to be open to young people who stand out. However, he will have to compete with Tresoldi and Nilsson in Bruges to make a place.
Michy Batshuayi: a certainty, but now replacing
In addition to young talents, an experienced option remains available: Michy Batshuayi. The 30 -year -old striker is evolving at Eintracht Frankfurt, but is currently mainly replacement. It will therefore be crucial for him to get playing time or conclude a transfer.
If he regularly finds playing time and success in front of the goal, Batshuayi can become the experienced replacement that Garcia will need. He knows the team well, has often marked as a replacement in the past and remains a reliable player in times of crisis.
Garcia’s choice will probably be on Openda as the first striker, but the coming weeks will be decisive to find out who will be able to position themselves behind him. Young people like Stassin and Vermant know that it is their chance to show themselves, while Batshuayi must imperatively find playing time in his club. There remains the Christian Benteke option, author of 8 goals in 19 MLS games and 23 goals in 30 championship games last season, which does not seem privileged.