Genk and Belgium’s top clubs emerge from break with minimal injuries

With the XXL international break finally over, the Belgian Jupiler Pro League returns and Racing Genk’s internationals join their peers from Union, AA Gent, Club Brugge, Anderlecht and Antwerp, all having emerged largely injury‑free after a spell of heavy national‑team duties.

Union’s internationals see limited minutes

Union sit top of the table on 19 points from 21 matches and sent six key players away on international duty. Only Besfort Zeneli logged more than 180 minutes, keeping the Union workload manageable. Goalkeeper Hervé Koffi captained Burkina Faso but watched a 0‑7 loss to Argentina from the bench.

Midfielder Ondrej Kri­c­falusi made a six‑minute debut for the Czech Republic against England, while Kamiel Van de Perre featured twice for the Belgium U‑21 side before a suspension halted his second appearance. Kevin Rodríguez was called up by Ecuador but withdrew with a hamstring injury and focused on club recovery.

Union’s remaining squad used the six‑day domestic pause for two friendlies. A mixed U‑23 and first‑team side lost 2‑3 to Lierse, with Dylan Aquino and Raul Florucz scoring, but a 3‑1 win over Lokeren came thanks to Mateo Biondic and Danish summer signing Bertram Kvist.

AA Gent and Club Brugge manage player workloads

AA Gent’s 19‑year‑old striker Josué Vergara debuted for Panama, scoring against Ecuador before a hip complaint forced his early exit. The injury proved minor, and Gent hope he can start against Zulte Waregem on Saturday.

Gent also faced a packed schedule, playing 13 matches this season due to European commitments, which added strain to Vergara’s routine. Nevertheless, the Panamanian federation insisted on his participation, and a compromise saw him sit out the final international fixture.

Club Brugge returned eight regular starters from the break, prompting head coach Ivan Leko to monitor fitness closely. The club’s performance staff maintained close contact with national associations throughout the pause, ensuring a smooth reintegration.

Anderlecht, Racing Genk and Antwerp retain fitness

Anderlecht’s internationals logged substantial minutes, with Lee Hanbeom travelling to Asia for four matches and returning without injury. Carlos Forbs, Joaquin Seys and Jan Virgili together amassed roughly 150 minutes, a figure Leko described as satisfactory.

Racing Genk and Antwerp also saw their internationals return, and both clubs reported no major injuries among the returning players. Voor de internationals were several weeks of training before the league resumed.

The Belgi side contributed numerous caps across the break, underscoring the depth of talent in the league.

Union reopen the Jupiler Pro League on Sunday at home to OH Leuven, with centre‑back Maksim Paskotsi – the player with the most minutes during the internationals – expected to lead a confident defence.