VANCOUVER, June 25 : 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 his brief absence for the birth of his son, coach Rudi Garcia said on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 24-year-old had drawn criticism from L’Equipe TV presenter France Pierron for leaving the squad mid-tournament to attend the birth of his son, Praise, who was born on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doku featured in Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw against Egypt but missed their goalless draw with Iran due to breathing issues in training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“But all our game is not based upon one player. It’s the collective spirit. That’s the true force of Belgium.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Striker Romelu Lukaku, still searching for his first goal of the tournament, is also unable to play a full match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Belgium centre back Brandon Mechele said the players were pleased for Doku.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite being widely tipped to top the group, Belgium head into Friday’s match in third place with two points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Egypt lead with four, while Iran also have two points but are above Belgium on goals scored. New Zealand, still seeking a first World Cup victory, are bottom with one point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We need to match their intensity. If we manage that, I don’t see a problem for us,” defender Mechele added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“On paper, we have more quality than New Zealand with all due respect to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We might have lacked that intensity a bit in the previous match, but that was a wake-up call. I think we will be ready tomorrow.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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