BRUSSELS (AP) Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is counting on Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke to be ready to play in the final World qualifier against Wales.
Aston Villa announced only on Sept. 24 that Benteke would be out for up to six weeks and miss the last two qualifiersas Belgium is looking for one point against Croatia next Friday to go through to Brazil as a Europe group winner.
If it fails, it still has a home game against Wales on Oct. 15. Wilmots said that "Benteke will almost certainly be fit for the second game."
Benteke has already scored four goals in the English Premier League and has been key to Belgium as it's moved within striking distance of qualifying for the World Cup.
