RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Belgium forward Jeremy Doku was expected to rejoin the team after the game. world cup Tuesday training facility After the birth of their first child, a boy named Praise,.
doc missed Belgium vs Iran, World Cup 0-0 draw He was hospitalized on Sunday with a respiratory illness but was allowed to fly to London to be with his wife. Ahead of Tuesday’s practice session, centre-back Arthur Ciate announced that Doc would be joining the team, but did not take part in the portion of practice that was open to the media. Doc was absent from Monday’s training.
“Obviously we’re very happy to have him back,” Teate said. “He is an important player and an important part of the group in all aspects, so I hope he can help us in the best possible way for the next game.”
Belgium play New Zealand at BC Place on Friday, a match that could decide whether the Red Devils progress to the finals. Belgium played their first two matches in both draws.
On Tuesday, Doc posted on social media to express his gratitude for the kind messages he and his family have received over the past few days.
“Shireen and Praise are doing very well. My heart is full of gratitude,” Doc said. “Welcoming my son into this world is one of the greatest blessings God has given me. Thank you to my team for supporting me. Now it’s time to get back to soccer and represent my country on the biggest stage.”
Following Doku’s absence, French commentator France Pierron criticized Doku’s intention to leave the club. world cup For childbirth. French sports newspaper L’Equipe apologized to Doc and said Pierron’s comments did not represent the company’s values. During an appearance on Friday’s TV show “L’Equipe du Shock,” she said of the birth: “My father was useless and, to be fair, it was a disgusting moment.”
On Monday, Belgium captain Youri Tielemans expressed his support for Doku, saying he and other players had congratulated him.
“I think having a child is the most beautiful thing in the world. Having a child is, of course, more than normal for you as a father and as a mother,” Tielemans said. “But being able to be there as a father is three things for me as well, and that’s a memory that can’t be taken back. So, yeah, I’m very happy for him.”
sudden absence from work
Neither center back Brandon Mechele nor forward Leandro Trossard attended Tuesday’s practice, which was open to the media. It is unclear why either player was absent.
Mechere and Trossard each played the full 90 minutes in Belgium’s first two World Cup matches.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
