Anderlecht's scorers lift spirits as Union eases worries

With the XXL interland break finally behind them, the Belgian Jupiler Pro League is set to resume, and both Anderlecht and Union appear in a positive light. Anderlecht's frontmen have found the net in recent fixtures, while Union report few concerns ahead of their next league match.

Union's internationals and friendlies

During the break Union saw six key players depart for their national sides, but only Besfort Zeneli logged more than 180 minutes in recent weeks. For Union, Besfort Zeneli featured prominently, and Hervé Koffi kept two full 90‑minute outings for Burkina Faso, captaining his side despite a 0‑7 loss to Argentina. Ondrej Kricfalusi earned a debut for the Czech Republic, entering in the final six minutes of a 3‑0 win over England, while Kamiel Van de Perre completed a full 90 minutes for Belgium U21 before a suspension ruled him out of the second match against Wales. Kevin Rodríguez was called up by Ecuador but withdrew with a hamstring injury, focusing on his recovery at club level. Voor Union the remaining squad enjoyed six days off before staging two warm‑up games.

Union’s first friendly against Lierse ended in a 2‑3 defeat, with Dylan Aquino and Raul Florucz adding the goals. The second fixture versus Lokeren produced a 3‑1 victory, thanks to a brace from Mateo Biondic and the Danish summer signing Bertram Kvist. These matches gave the club a chance to assess fitness ahead of the league restart.

The league resumes on Sunday with Union hosting OH Leuven. Maksim Paskotsi, now 23, returns having amassed the most minutes of any Union player during the interland period. The central defender featured the full 90 minutes in four internationals for Estonia, even scoring against Iceland, and captained his side in the final match. He now faces the task of covering for the injured Bashir Ngom alongside Christian Burgess.

Club Brugge and AA Gent manage squad fitness

Club Brugge entered the break with sixteen internationals, eight of whom are regular starters slated for eight matches in the coming month. Trainer Ivan Leko had voiced concerns before the pause, prompting close collaboration between the club’s fitness staff and national team coaches. Apart from Joel Ordóñez, the core of the squad appears to have returned without injuries, a relief for Leko and the club.

AA Gent’s young striker Josué Vergara debuted for Panama, scoring against Ecuador before a hip injury forced his early exit. The injury may affect his availability for AA Gent’s upcoming league game at Zulte Waregem, though the club hopes he can recover in time. AA Gent, having already played thirteen matches this season due to European commitments, managed a 5‑2 friendly win over Beerschot, demonstrating depth despite the international call‑ups.

Racing Genk and Antwerp are also among the top clubs seeking the swift return of their internationals, completing the list of clubs navigating the post‑break schedule.

Across the league, other internationals logged significant minutes: Brandon Mechele completed four full matches for the Red Devils, while Nicolò Tresoldi featured four times for the German U21 side, scoring in each appearance. Lee Hanbeom endured four duels and a long journey to Asia, and Carlos Forbs, Joaquin Seys and Jan Virgili each contributed roughly 150 minutes, figures that Leko and Club Brugge will be pleased with. The Belgi federation’s calendar has thus tested squad depth, but the clubs appear ready to move forward.