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Doku not ready for full 90 minutes against New Zealand, says Belgium coach
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Doku not ready for full 90 minutes against New Zealand, says Belgium coach

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Belgium winger Jeremy Doku is not ready to play the full 90 minutes against New Zealand in their crucial Group G World Cup match after returning from illness and the birth of his son, coach Rudi Garcia said.
  • Doku missed Belgium's goalless draw with Iran due to breathing issues in training after attending his son's birth.
  • Striker Romelu Lukaku is also unable to play a full match, with Belgium needing a win to advance in the tournament.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia confirmed that winger Jeremy Doku is not yet fit to play the full 90 minutes in their crucial World Cup match against New Zealand. Doku recently returned after a brief absence for the birth of his son and a subsequent illness that caused him to miss seven days of training.

Jeremy came back three days ago. So, he only participated in the practice today. He did a little more, but he did not train during seven days and that's not insignificant. So, we're thrilled to have him back. He's probably not going to play for 90 minutes. But we know that he can make the difference once on the pitch.

— Rudi GarciaCoach Rudi Garcia discusses Jeremy Doku's fitness level ahead of the match against New Zealand.

"Jeremy came back three days ago. So, he only participated in the practice today. He did a little more, but he did not train during seven days and that's not insignificant," Garcia told reporters. "So, we're thrilled to have him back. He's probably not going to play for 90 minutes. But we know that he can make the difference once on the pitch."

Striker Romelu Lukaku is also facing limitations, unable to play a full match. "Lukaku cannot handle 90 minutes," Garcia added. "If he starts, he will be substituted. If he doesn't start, he can help us from the bench. But he's fit."

Lukaku cannot handle 90 minutes. If he starts, he will be substituted. If he doesn't start, he can help us from the bench. But he's fit.

— Rudi GarciaCoach Rudi Garcia provides an update on Romelu Lukaku's match readiness.

Despite these challenges, Belgium center-back Brandon Mechele expressed optimism. "It's lovely news that he became a father and that he was also present with his wife to help her. So, everybody was happy. It gives a boost for him, but also for us that he's back, that he can help the team," Mechele said. He added that the team needs to match New Zealand's intensity, stating, "On paper, we have more quality than New Zealand with all due respect to them."

It's lovely news that he became a father and that he was also present with his wife to help her. So, everybody was happy. It gives a boost for him, but also for us that he's back, that he can help the team.

— Brandon MecheleBelgium center-back Brandon Mechele comments on Jeremy Doku's return and its impact on the team.

Belgium, currently third in Group G with two points, faces a must-win situation against New Zealand to advance in the tournament. Egypt leads the group with four points, followed by Iran on goal difference.

On paper, we have more quality than New Zealand with all due respect to them.

— Brandon MecheleBelgium center-back Brandon Mechele expresses confidence in the team's ability against New Zealand.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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