La Repubblica reports Napoli forward Dries Mertens will remain in the Belgium squad after hurting his shoulder against Czech Republic.
Gennaro Gattuso reportedly appreciated Roberto Martinez’s gesture when the Belgium CT brought Mertens off after 56 minutes due to an issue in the shoulder.
Mertens has started the game but was substituted in Prague after falling awkwardly onto his shoulder.
The newspaper claims Mertens will not return to Naples and stay with the squad that faces Belarus tomorrow.
The Azzurri wouldn’t mind seeing Mertens spared to avoid further setbacks, as the striker has just returned after spraining his ankle in December.
The 33-year-old has scored seven times in Serie A this term but has only appeared in 18 out of 28 games so far.
Napoli are fighting for a place in the Champions League, currently sitting two points behind Juventus and Atalanta in the top four and face the Bianconeri on April 7.