Doku confirms Belgium return after flying to London for birth of son Praise

Jeremy Doku is set to return to Belgium’s World Cup camp in Seattle on Tuesday evening after flying to London to be present for the birth of his first child, a boy named Praise, on Monday.

Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed the winger had received news before Sunday’s match against Iran that the birth was imminent. “As he had already been receiving appropriate medical treatment for several days, he was able to fly without medical risk to be with his family during this very special moment,” Hacene said in a statement from the Belgian federation. “Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully.”

Doku, who had already missed the 1-1 draw with Iran in Los Angeles due to illness, confirmed his return in an Instagram statement. “Thank you to the team for the support, now it’s time to get back to football and represent my country on the biggest stage,” he wrote. “Shireen and Praise are doing great, and my heart is full of gratitude. Welcoming my son into the world is one of the greatest blessings God has ever given to me.”

The Manchester City winger’s decision to leave the squad drew some criticism, most notably from French TV presenter France Pierron, who suggested on social media that attending the birth of his child was “a disgusting moment” given the scale of the opportunity Doku was temporarily stepping away from. Pierron subsequently apologised for the remarks, and L’Equipe distanced itself from her comments.

Belgium have drawn both of their opening Group G fixtures, against Egypt and Iran, and face New Zealand in Vancouver on Friday in a must-not-lose finale. Doku’s return gives Roberto Martínez’s side a timely boost on the left flank as they seek a first win of the tournament.