The Belgian football confederation congratulated Jérémy Doku after the birth of his first child, named Praise, which took place last Monday (22). The team’s official statement confirmed the return of the player, Manchester City striker, to the squad this Tuesday (23), after a brief leave.
The midfielder did not participate in the team’s goalless draw against Iran, on Sunday, in Group G of the competition. The absence was due to a respiratory illness, but he was authorized to travel to London and accompany his wife during the birth.
Brahim Hacene, the Belgian team’s doctor, clarified in a statement that Doku had already been undergoing adequate treatment for his respiratory condition for days. Therefore, the plane trip to meet his family did not pose any risk to his health during this important period.
The statement detailed that the athlete was accompanied by his colleague Dr. Brecht De Coninck. The procedure went without any problems, and everyone – mother, father and the newborn – is doing well. Jérémy is expected to join the group again in Seattle the following night.
The Belgium team will have a decisive clash against New Zealand in the early hours of Friday to Saturday (27), in their last round in Group G. The match, which will be broadcast live on CazéTV and will be accessible on Disney+, demands a victory for the Belgian team. After two draws at the start of the tournament, only three points guarantee the chance of advancing to the round of 16, avoiding an early elimination.
The previous Sunday (21), the renowned newspaper L’Equipe issued a statement refuting statements made by a commentator who had criticized Doku. The criticism was directed at the player’s decision to temporarily leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first-born.
The newspaper formally apologized to Doku through a note released at the end of the same Sunday. In it, the publication emphasized that the opinions expressed by commentator France Pierron did not reflect the values and editorial line of the newspaper.