Belgium's attacking threat Jeremy Doku has been officially ruled out of the Red Devils' Group H clash against Iran on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles due to illness, according to the team's medical staff. The Manchester City winger was withdrawn from the squad on Saturday, leaving Belgium's coaching staff with a significant selection headache ahead of what is now a must-not-lose fixture.
Doku's Absence Compounds Belgium's Woes
Doku had started Belgium's opening World Cup match against Egypt last Monday, playing 86 minutes of a frustrating 1-1 draw before being substituted. However, problems had been brewing before that match. The pacy winger reportedly left a training session early during the week preceding the Egypt game due to breathing difficulties, an early warning sign that went unheeded.
The illness news is not the only issue surrounding Doku this week. The 23-year-old made headlines earlier after telling reporters in a candid press conference that he was prepared to leave the squad and fly home if required for the birth of his first child. His wife is expected to give birth in early July, right in the middle of the World Cup knockout stages, meaning the off-field distraction is unlikely to disappear even when he recovers.
Belgium's World Cup Campaign Under Pressure
On the pitch, Belgium can ill afford the distraction. Ranked 10th in the world by FIFA, the Red Devils entered this tournament with genuine ambitions of going deep into the knockout rounds. A draw against Egypt in the opener has put those ambitions under early pressure. A win against Iran on Sunday is now close to non-negotiable if Belgium want to stay on course to top their group.
Their final group game comes against New Zealand next Friday, before attention could potentially turn to a tantalising last-16 encounter. Should Belgium win their group and their first knockout match, they could face co-host United States on July 6 in the round of 16, provided the Americans also advance from their side of the bracket.
Impact on Belgium's Tactical Setup
Doku's absence forces Belgium to adjust their attacking strategy. Known for his pace and dribbling ability, Doku was a key outlet for the Red Devils. Without him, coach Domenico Tedesco may turn to alternatives like Yannick Carrasco or Leandro Trossard to fill the void. The team will need to find a way to break down Iran's defense, which has been organized in recent matches.
Belgium's medical team will monitor Doku's condition ahead of the New Zealand match, but his availability remains uncertain given the ongoing personal situation with his wife's pregnancy. The Red Devils must navigate this critical period without one of their most dynamic players.
