Romelu Lukaku's limited playing time at Fenerbahçe is keeping hopes of an Anderlecht return alive. Analysts Marc Degryse and Frank Boeckx stress the 33-year-old striker needs match fitness, which he is currently not getting.
Degryse was clear about the situation. "Not for now, because he simply gets too few minutes," the analyst said. His colleague Frank Boeckx agreed. "You only become match fit if you play more minutes," Boeckx explained. Lukaku's contract in Turkey runs for one more year, with an option for an additional season. His only meaningful action this month was a brief substitute appearance in the Champions League match against AS Roma.
Context
The discussion about Lukaku's future coincides with a mixed start to the season for Anderlecht. The club sits seventh in the Jupiler Pro League with ten points from six games. The recent run of results shows three wins, one draw, and one defeat. The latest victory was a 0-1 away win at KV Mechelen, thanks to a goal from Tawfik Bentayeb in the forty-third minute. The full standings show Anderlecht is five points behind leaders Gent.
Outlook
For supporters, a return of the experienced international remains an attractive prospect, especially given the current performances. Anderlecht has scored four goals and conceded five. The team is now preparing for the next home match against Zulte Waregem, who are in fifth place. The current fixtures show the full schedule. On the injury list is currently only Lucas Hey, limiting the coach's selection options.
The coming weeks will be key to see if Anderlecht can maintain its connection with the top. The immediate focus is on the confrontation with Zulte Waregem on September 19, a match important for their position in the upper half of the table. The club will have to rely on the players who are available, whose statistics can be found on the stats page.
