Witsel gets surprise recall to Belgium squad for World Cup qualifiers

Belgium have recalled Axel Witsel to add experience to the squad in place of injured captain Youri Tielemans and striker Romelu Lukaku for this month's World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales, coach Rudi Garcia announced on Friday. It is a surprise return for the 36-year-old Girona midfielder, who has 132 caps but last played for Belgium in warm-up games ahead of the 2024 European Championship. "Axel is playing a lot of minutes again at Girona and is a leader," Garcia told a press conference announcing the 26-man squad for the clashes against fellow Group J frontrunners. "He can guide the young players and is a versatile player. With Tielemans and Lukaku absent, I needed an extra experienced player....