\"Due to illness, Doku will not be part of the squad for our upcoming game against Iran,\" Belgium posted on social media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Doku, 24, could also miss the knockout stage should Belgium advance, as his wife is due to give birth to their first child in the second week of July.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Doku started Belgium's World Cup opener last Monday and played into the 86th minute of a 1-1 draw with Egypt. He reportedly left a practice early due to breathing issues during the week before the opening match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"He can't play, and so we'll be playing without him. I knew since Friday evening that he won't be playing. I don't want to get players to play if they're not medically up for the game. I can get players to play even if they're not 100 percent physically, but 100 percent medically is [more important]. But I'm absolutely 100 percent sure we'll be fine, and we'll be winning tomorrow,\" Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said in the pre-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Doku has been one of City\u2019s most important players over the past year, contributing significantly to the club\u2019s run to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He has also recently signed a long-term contract with the club, extending his stay at Etihad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"He can't play, and so we'll be playing without him. I knew since Friday evening that he won't be playing. I don't want to get players to play if they're not medically up for the game. I can get players to play even if they're not 100 percent physically, but 100 percent medically is [more important]. But I'm absolutely 100 percent sure we'll be fine, and we'll be winning tomorrow,\" Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said in the pre-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Belgium and Iran have met once at the senior men\u2019s international level. Belgium secured a 1-0 victory in their group-stage meeting at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n