Jeremy Doku’s participation at the World Cup has been derailed by illness, with the Manchester City winger ruled out of Belgium’s Group G opener against Iran due to a respiratory issue.
The 21-year-old, who has been a revelation for Pep Guardiola’s side since his £55.5 million move from Rennes in October 2023, was absent from Belgium training on Monday as medical staff assessed his condition. Belgian national team officials confirmed Doku had been managing the respiratory problem in the days leading up to the match, ultimately determining he was not fit enough to feature.
Doku’s absence represents a considerable blow to Belgium’s attacking ambitions in what promises to be a closely contested Group G. The youngster had developed into one of the most exciting wide forwards in European football during his short time at the Etihad Stadium, providing eight assists in the Premier League alone last season while establishing himself as a regular starter under Guardiola.
His rapid ascent has been remarkable. Doku made his professional debut for Anderlecht at just 16 years old in 2018, becoming the club’s youngest debutant since Romelu Lukaku. He subsequently moved to Rennes in 2021, where he scored 12 goals across two seasons in Ligue 1, catching the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. Manchester City won the race for his signature, and Doku has since repaid that faith with consistent performances that have made him an integral component of City’s title challenges.
Guardiola had previously voiced concerns about Doku’s wellbeing during international duty, a situation that has clearly escalated. The Spanish manager is understood to have communicated with Belgian medical staff regarding the player’s condition, highlighting the club’s investment in his long-term health. City will be relieved that the issue appears relatively minor, though Doku’s recovery timeline remains uncertain ahead of what promises to be a grueling tournament schedule.
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco now faces the unenviable task of replacing one of his most potent attacking outlets. The squad still contains considerable quality, with Manchester United’s Amadou Onana, Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard alternatives, and Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané providing options in the final third. However, Doku’s pace, direct running, and ability to unpick defences represented a specific tactical weapon that Belgium will miss against a typically well-organized Iranian side.
Iran, under the guidance of Amir Ghalenoei, arrive in Qatar with renewed optimism following their qualification campaign. The Persians secured their World Cup berth with impressive victories over the United States and Wales, demonstrating their capacity to compete at this level. They possess defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat that could exploit any uncertainty in Belgium’s approach.
Belgium’s history at the World Cup offers context for the weight of expectation surrounding this generation. The Red Devils reached the semi-finals in Russia 2018 and finished third in the inaugural 1930 tournament, yet a major trophy has eluded them throughout their distinguished history. Current captain Kevin De Bruyne, Doku’s Manchester City teammate, remains central to Belgian hopes of finally achieving that breakthrough.
The timing of Doku’s illness is particularly unfortunate given the form he carried into the international break. He had started the season in electric fashion for City, scoring in victories over Southampton and Newcastle United while terrorising Premier League defences with his explosive acceleration and close ball control. His partnership with De Bruyne had developed into one of the most fruitful combinations in English football, with the pair linking seamlessly in transition.
Medical staff will continue monitoring Doku’s progress throughout the week, and there remains cautious optimism he could feature in subsequent group matches should Belgium progress. The tournament’s congested schedule means recovery windows are compressed, placing additional pressure on players and medical teams alike.
For Belgium, the immediate focus shifts to how Tedesco reshapes his attacking strategy without his most dynamic wide option. Whether he opts for additional midfield control or promotes a direct replacement like Dodi Lukebakio remains to be seen, but the tactical adjustments will be significant.
Doku’s setback serves as a reminder of the challenges facing players balancing club and international commitments, particularly during high-intensity tournaments. His early career has been defined by rapid progress and relentless ambition, yet this temporary obstacle will test his resilience as he works toward returning to action.
Belgium’s campaign against Iran kicks off on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old watching from the sidelines as his teammates attempt to lay foundations for a potential deep run in this tournament.