MX23RW : Wednesday, July 3 14:28:07| >> :120:23581:23581:

Paul Lambert reveals Christian Benteke concerns

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert asks Belgium coach Marc Wilmots not to risk Christian Benteke's long-term fitness in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed that he has serious reservations about Christian Benteke reporting for international duty this week.

Benteke has missed Villa's last two Premier League games with a hip problem, but has still been called up by Belgium for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Croatia and Wales.

Lambert believes that rushing Benteke back for either match could have effects on his long-term fitness, but admits that he understands Belgium's stance as they close in on a trip to Brazil next summer.

He told The Mirror: "I totally understand Belgium's point of view. They're a point away from the biggest tournament at national team level. But you're hoping they understand our point of view.

"The guy's got injured for us and might play for us. Christian will know himself how he's feeling, but at this moment in time, I would say he's not fit.

"But in seven to 10 days' time, it's hard for me to say whether he will be or not. I won't be happy if he plays and comes back to me injured after doing ever so well."

Belgium will qualify for their first World Cup since 2002 with a positive result against either Croatia or Wales after finding form under coach Marc Wilmots.

ID:109654: cacheID:109654:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2394:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gabriel Agbonlahor of Aston Villa is pursued by Curtis Davies of Hull during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Aston Villa at KC Stadium on October 5, 2013
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Hull City 0-0 Aston Villa
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!