European team Belgium will be missing winger Jeremy Doku in their crucial Group G match against Iran at the Los Angeles stadium. Doku, aged 24, is sidelined due to illness, as confirmed by the Belgian team ahead of the game. He may also miss future matches if Belgium progresses, as he awaits the birth of his first child in July.
Doku, who played in Belgium’s World Cup opener against Egypt, had to leave a practice session early due to breathing problems before the first match. Despite his absence, Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia expressed confidence in the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of players being medically fit.
Known for his significant contributions to City, Doku has been a key player in recent tournaments, including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Having signed a long-term contract with the club, he has solidified his position at Etihad. Belgium, currently ranked 10th by FIFA, aims to secure a victory against Iran to maintain their group-winning prospects after a surprising draw with Egypt.
Belgium and Iran have faced off once before at the senior men’s international level, with Belgium emerging victorious with a 1-0 win during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
