Jérémy Doku will rejoin the Belgium national team in Seattle on Tuesday after briefly leaving camp to witness the birth of his son, Praise.
The Belgian Football Federation confirmed on Monday that the Manchester City forward has become a father for the first time and will return ahead of Belgium’s final Group G fixture.
Doku had missed Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran on Sunday after suffering a respiratory illness. Following several days of treatment, he was granted permission to travel to London to be with his wife for the birth.
Team doctor Brahim Hacene explained that the player was cleared to travel safely after receiving medical care.
“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,” he said.
He added that the journey went smoothly and confirmed the wellbeing of both mother and child.
“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 in their final group match on Friday, needing victory to keep alive hopes of reaching the knockout stage after two draws.
Meanwhile, French newspaper L’Equipe distanced itself from comments made by television presenter France Pierron, who had criticised Doku’s decision to leave the tournament for the birth of his child. The publication later apologised, saying the remarks did not reflect its editorial values.
