Why Jeremy Doku isn't playing for Belgium today after comments about upcoming birth of son

Why Jeremy Doku isn't playing for Belgium today after comments about upcoming birth of son originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Jeremy Doku has been in the headlines this week for comments he made about potentially attending the birth of his first son during the World Cup.

Advertisement

Doku is representing Belgium in North America, but the Manchester City star would have to return to Europe to be there if his son is born.

He told reporters earlier in the tournament that his son would be born early in July, which could still be a point in which Belgium remains alive in the tournament.

MORE: Lamine Yamal outdoes Messi, Ronaldo in historic moment for Spanish wunderkind

It certainly appears Doku would leave the team to be there for that special occasion.

Fans will become more aware of that on Sunday when Belgium plays Iran in group action, and Doku isn't on the field.

It's not actually connected, though.

Advertisement

MORE: Eloy Room leads Curacao to astounding World Cup history

Why isn't Jeremy Doku playing today?

Doku's absence doesn't have anything to do with his comments or plans. He's simply sick.

Belgium ruled Doku out well in advance due to illness.

The Belgians don't have a reason to push Doku against an Iranian side that should be overmatched no matter which lineup Belgium puts on the pitch.

If Doku isn't feeling great, it's more important for Belgium to get him healed up for later in the tournament.

Sure, there might still be questions to be answered here, but for now, Doku's absence is solely due to his health.

Advertisement

More FIFA World Cup news: