Thibaut Courtois has officially withdrawn from the Belgium squad due to injury, raising hopes that Manchester United's Senne Lammens could make his senior international bow.
Real Madrid star Courtois did report to the camp ahead of the final two World Cup qualifiers, against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein, but doctors confirmed an adductor issue that had been flagged by his club, in the wake of the draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
An official statement read: “Thibaut Courtois underwent the medical examination this afternoon by the RBFA medical staff. He will not be available for the upcoming international matches and will return to his club for further treatment.”
The 33-year-old's absence opens the door for another keeper, and it is being predicted in the press that Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels will be handed the jersey for the long trip to Astana for Saturday's clash.
However, even if Sels does get the nod, three points in the fixture would secure top spot in Group J and qualification for the World Cup finals next year.
The final game, at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday, would also offer an opportunity for Lammens to make the step up, following his outstanding start to life at Old Trafford.
RB Leipzig keeper Maarten Vandevoordt is also part of Rudi Garcia's squad as the country look to confirm their place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Lammens has represented his homeland through the youth levels and his early work with United have illustrated how he has the temperament to face any challenges that come his way.
Our no.31 is unbeaten in each of the five games he has played in, since his deadline-day switch from Royal Antwerp, and will be keeping his fingers crossed that he can enjoy a dream full international debut in the near future.