Mircea Lucescu (foto: Getty Images)
Romania coach Mircea Lucescu has been hospitalised for the third time in a month, raising doubts over his presence on the bench ahead of March’s World Cup play-off against Turkey.
Romania have been hit by worrying news ahead of their decisive World Cup play-off, with legendary coach Mircea Lucescu once again hospitalised. The 80-year-old has been admitted for the third time in just over a month, raising serious concerns about his availability for the upcoming clash with Turkey national football team.
Lucescu was hospitalised last week due to complications linked to exhaustion and lack of nutrition, and although officials initially played down the situation, his condition has since worsened. Romania’s Football Federation sought to reassure the public, stating that the veteran coach is receiving antibiotic treatment for a subcutaneous infection and that reports had been exaggerated. Nevertheless, sources close to the situation describe it as delicate.
Lucescu is currently under 24-hour medical supervision, undergoing regular checks by cardiologists and other specialists. Medical staff reportedly consider his condition complex, requiring constant monitoring and adjustments to treatment.
Officially, the Federation has not spoken about a potential change on the bench. However, Romanian outlet GSP reports that contingency plans are already being discussed in case Lucescu is unable to return in time, particularly with the decisive match against Turkey scheduled for 26 March in the World Cup 2026 play-offs.
Opinions within Romanian football are divided. Some believe a decision on a successor could be taken in the coming weeks, others insist Lucescu will remain in charge at least until the trip to Turkey, while a third option being considered is the appointment of an interim coach solely for the play-off ties for the FIFA World Cup.
For now, Romania wait anxiously, hoping their legendary coach can recover in time for what could be one of the most important matches of the cycle.