Belgium winger Jeremy Doku will rejoin the national team in Seattle on Tuesday after leaving the squad to witness the birth of his son, Praise.
The Belgian Football Federation confirmed the arrival of Doku’s first child on Monday and announced that the Manchester City star would return to camp ahead of the team’s final Group G fixture.
Doku missed Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran on Sunday due to a respiratory illness. However, after receiving treatment for several days, he was given permission to travel to London to be with his wife.
“As he had already been receiving the appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without any medical risk in order to be with his family during this very special moment,” Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said in a statement.
“He was accompanied by my colleague, Dr. Brecht De Coninck. Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully.
“Jérémy will rejoin the group tomorrow evening in Seattle.”
Belgium face New Zealand on Friday in their final World Cup group match and must secure victory to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage after opening the tournament with two draws.
Meanwhile, French sports newspaper L’Equipe distanced itself from remarks made by television commentator France Pierron, who questioned Doku’s decision to leave the tournament for the birth of his child.
The publication issued an apology to the Belgian international on Sunday, saying the comments did not reflect its values.
Pierron had sparked controversy during Friday’s edition of the television programme “L’Equipe de Choc,” describing childbirth as “a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless.”
