Belgium drops Origi, calls up Batshuayi for November friendlies

Liverpool striker Divock Origi has been dropped from the Belgian national team, with in-form Marseille hitman Michy Batshuayi taking his place.

Manager Marc Wilmots announced the squad Friday ahead of friendlies against Italy (Nov. 13) and Spain (Nov. 17).

Batshuayi has shone for the struggling Ligue 1 club, scoring nine times in 15 appearances this season.

With just two previous senior caps to his name, the 22-year-old Marseille man looks to make an impact with the No. 1 ranked country in the world as Origi faces a tough battle back into the squad.

The 20-year-old Liverpool striker, who was demoted to the Under-21 Belgian side for an upcoming Euro 2017 qualifier against Czech Republic, hasn't managed a single goal this campaign.

Goalkeepers

Mignolet (Liverpool), Gillet (Catania), Sels (Gent)

Defenders

Alderweireld (Tottenham), Vermaelen (Barcelona), Vertonghen (Tottenham), Kompany (Manchester City), Denayer (Galatasaray), Lombaerts (Zenit), Cavanda (Trabzonspor), J. Lukaku (Oostende), Meunier (Club Brugge)

Midfielders

Dembele (Tottenham), Nainggolan (Roma), Witsel (Zenit), Fellaini (Manchester United), Carrasco (Atletico Madrid), De Bruyne (Manchester City), Mertens (Napoli)

Forwards

Depoitre (Gent), Batshuayi (Marseille), R. Lukaku (Everton), Hazard (Chelsea), Benteke (Liverpool)