Mark van Bommel  has been talking about Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

The Belgium Head Coach speaking after naming his squad for the November internationals.

Mark von Bommel explaining why Matias Fernandez-Pardo will not be playing for Belgium this month.

The team boss explaining that it was the Newcastle United player who made the decision.

Von Bommel saying at a press conference: “He’s been ill for a very long time. He has trained twice since October 17. As a result he is still not one hundred percent, which is why he is not included. He doesn’t feel completely well yet. So it was his own choice.”

On Thursday at his pre-Fulham press conference, Matthias Jaissle stated: “Matias Fernandez-Pardo has had a heavy virus, he has been out for more than two weeks. He is progressing and training again with us, we will have to see how he is physically before Fulham. Lewis Miley is getting better and better, showed a good reaction, he is making progress how I expected and wished for.”

On the back of his stunning breakthrough season with Lille, Matias Fernandez-Pardo was a surprise inclusion in Belgium’s squad for the 2026 World Cup finals.

He has now made seven appearances for his country, all off the bench.

Belgium play Turkey and Italy in the Nations League this month and reading between the lines, I think we can expect Matias Fernandez-Pardo on the bench at Fulham tomorrow. Then the player having elected to spend the following two weeks getting back up to speed with Newcastle United, rather than heading off on international duty.

Goalkeepers: Jari De Busser (AZ Alkmaar), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Chelsea), Maarten ‌Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig)

Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton & Hove Albion), Josue ​Kongolo (Racing Genk), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Kyriani Sabbe, Joaquin Seys (both Club Brugge), ⁠Arthur Theate (Bologna)

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Mandela Keita (Parma), Romeo ⁠Lavia (Chelsea), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Manchester United), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge)

Forwards: Hugo Cuypers (Monterrey), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), ‌Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Mika Godts (Paris St Germain), Romelu Lukaku (Fenerbahce), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (AC Milan), ​Leandro Trossard (Besiktas)