Zeno Debast
Sporting CPCB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Oct 24, 2003 (22)
Right
6'3"
172 lb
Continues rehab work
Debast (leg) has not yet participated in any collective training sessions since joining the Belgian squad in Seattle and is expected to miss the entire group stage, with the federation confirming he will remain part of the squad, according to Walfoot.
Analysis: Debast sustained the injury to his femoral attachment in the final stretch of the season and was initially ruled out until July, making his inclusion in coach Rudi Garcia's 26-man squad a bold decision that raised considerable discussion. Garcia opted to keep the Sporting Portugal center-back with the group with the objective of having him ready for the knockout rounds, a calculation made easier by the fact that this World Cup is the first to feature a round of 16. Since arriving at the Seattle Sounders' performance center in Renton, Debast has been working individually on his fitness, having been spotted on an elliptical bike outdoors while his teammates trained. The federation confirmed the decision to keep him with the squad was made in agreement with the technical and medical staff, giving Belgium every opportunity to have one of their best central defensive options available for the knockout stage should they advance from the group.
Trains individually
Debast (leg) has started to train individually, according to Sudinfo.be.
Analysis: Debast is seeing improvements as he tries to make a return for the World Cup, as the defender has joined individual training. However, he has yet to begin any type of training with his teammates, showing he is still a decent way from being fit. This will still leave him out for at least the World Cup opener and potentially further time.
Dealing with leg injury
Debast suffered a leg injury during a training session with Sporting CP Lisbon and will undergo medical tests to determine the severity of the issue, leaving his World Cup participation with Belgium in serious doubt, according to A Bola.
Analysis: Debast is ruled out of Sporting's remaining league fixtures, including the final round against Gil Vicente, and is also very likely to miss the Portuguese Cup final against Torreense on May 24. More critically for theyoung defender, his potential absence from Belgium's World Cup squad is a genuine concern for coach Rudi Garcia, who must decide whether to include him in the final 26-man list being announced Friday despite the uncertainty surrounding his fitness. Debast had become an important piece of manager Garcia's defensive setup and scored his first international goal against the United States during March's pre-tournament camp, with his absence representing a significant headache for the Red Devils even if he was not expected to start every fixture at the tournament.
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