Roberto Martinez had reassuring words on Romelu Lukaku's status and even attempted to put a positive spin on Belgium's 4-1 defeat to the Netherlands following the stunning reverse.
Belgium are the world's second-ranked side but were completely outclassed on home turf by a team they had not lost to since 1997.
It had still been 0-0 when Lukaku hobbled off in the first half, however, with the Chelsea forward trying and failing to play on after sustaining an injury in a tangle with Nathan Ake.
However, with three more Nations League matches to come this month, Martinez could at least inform fans Lukaku's ailment was not as serious as might have been feared.
"Lukaku's problem was a knock," he said, although he accepted: "From then on, it became a more difficult match."
This was far from an ideal result in Belgium's first competitive match of a World Cup year, but Martinez believes his side can benefit from the experience.
"This is what we needed to prepare for the World Cup," he said. "It's a hard result, but it's clear what we need to work on.
"The World Cup does not start until November, but with the national team it is already within 17 days. We will have to work in a specific way."
The former Everton manager added: "It is clear what we need to work on. We have to use the Nations League to prepare for the World Cup.
"We started well and found spaces. After that, it became physically difficult for players who didn't play much. The result is the result of all these aspects."
Jan Vertonghen disagreed, however, with the Belgium defender identifying issues that were not purely physical.
"It's a very painful defeat," he said. "We didn't get off to a bad start, though. We made it through a few times, especially via the left side.
"We lacked momentum after Romelu's substitution. The Dutch have had just as tough a season as we have. That shouldn't be an excuse. The physical part is not tonight's shortcoming.
"In particular, we had difficulties controlling the deep striker.
"This defeat puts us with both feet on the ground. It is clear that we will have to keep working hard."
Doherty wants Tottenham to stand by 'one of the best of all time' Conte
Matt Doherty believes Tottenham must stick with Antonio Conte despite his inflammatory outburst in the wake of Spurs' 3-3 draw at Southampton.
Conte lashed out at his players, as well as Tottenham's ownership, after his team surrendered a two-goal lead in the closing stages of Saturday's trip to St Mary's Stadium.
Spurs are now expected to part ways with the former Inter, Chelsea and Juventus coach during the international break.
However, Doherty – who left Spurs to join Atletico Madrid in January – has urged the club to stand by Conte, who he labelled as "one of the best managers of all time".
In a press conference, the Republic of Ireland defender said: "I hope he stays for a long time at Tottenham.
"He's an unbelievable coach, an unbelievable manager. He won't say anything in the press that he won't say to his players, he's completely honest with his players, has the passion for the whole club.
"I hope Tottenham stick by him and hold onto him for as long as possible, he's one of the best managers of all time."
Doherty's seemingly comments contrast with those of his former team-mate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who asked his coach to "elaborate" on the comments the Italian made after the Southampton game.
Hojbjerg said: "I understand that if you want to be successful as a team, you need 11 men who are committed to a project and a culture. But I think he has to elaborate on how he feels before you as a player can start measuring and weighing.
"The coach has not been satisfied, and that is what I will take with me.
"You do what you can to please him. What I do know about myself is that I am an honest player. I am a player who always gives 100 per cent of myself for the team."
Wolves handed Nunes boost as midfielder has red card overturned
Wolves will have Matheus Nunes available for their next three matches after their appeal to the Football Association (FA) was upheld.
Nunes, an unused substitute, was sent off late on in Wolves' 4-2 home defeat to fellow strugglers Leeds United on Saturday.
The Portugal international had been remonstrating with the officials over the decision to allow Leeds' fourth goal, scored by Rodrigo, to stand despite what appeared to be a foul by Marc Roca in the build-up.
Julen Lopetegui confirmed Nunes was complaining about the linesman and that they would appeal the decision, with referee Michael Salisbury having incorrectly sent the midfielder off for violent conduct, which would have resulted in him missing games against Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Brentford.
Wolves will be without Jonny, however, after the defender was sent off for a lunge on Luke Ayling.
The defeat left Wolves in 13th place in the Premier League, one point above Leeds and just three clear of the relegation zone.
Lopetegui thought his side were hard done by, with the former Spain coach claiming Wolves should have had a penalty.
"I'm not waiting for [further apologies]. I just want them [the officials] to do their job," he said.
De Bruyne confirmed as new Belgium captain
Belgium have confirmed Kevin De Bruyne will serve as their new captain.
Manchester City star De Bruyne takes over from Eden Hazard, who announced his retirement from international football in December following Belgium's group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.
That elimination marked the end of Roberto Martinez's time in charge, and De Bruyne will be tasked with leading the side under the stewardship of new coach Domenico Tedesco.
De Bruyne has won 97 caps for Belgium, scoring 25 goals.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Inter from Chelsea, have been named as vice-captains.
Belgium will begin their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024 on Friday when they face Sweden in Stockholm. They have also been drawn alongside Austria, Azerbaijan and Estonia in Group F.
Tedesco's men face Euro 2024 hosts Germany in a friendly on March 28.
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