Doku flies home for son's birth then rejoins Belgium squad ahead of must-win New Zealand clash

Jeremy Doku flew to London on an emergency basis to be present for the birth of his first child before returning to Belgium’s World Cup squad in Seattle, the Belgian FA confirmed.

The Manchester City winger and his wife Shireen welcomed a baby boy, named Praise, with Doku travelling alongside Belgium team doctor Brecht De Coninck. Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene confirmed the trip carried no medical risk, as Doku had already been receiving treatment for a respiratory illness that had kept him out of Sunday’s 0-0 Group G draw against Iran.

“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,” Hacene said in a statement. “Everything went perfectly, and the mother, father, and baby are all doing wonderfully.”

The Belgian FA added that Doku received news of the imminent birth before Sunday’s match against Iran and confirmed he would rejoin Rudi Garcia’s squad in Seattle on Tuesday evening.

The episode has not been without controversy. French newspaper L’Equipe issued an apology to Doku on Sunday after commentator France Pierron criticised him on the outlet’s programme L’Equipe de Choc for considering leaving the tournament. “You can’t miss a World Cup,” Pierron said. “And now, you’re not going to the match to cut an umbilical cord?” The publication distanced itself from the remarks, stating they did not represent its values.

Belgium now face a critical situation in Group G. Garcia’s side have drawn both of their opening matches and must beat New Zealand on Friday to avoid elimination before the knockout rounds.