Jeremy Doku is back with Belgium for the first time in this Nations League campaign, and Mark van Bommel says the Man City winger’s return has handed him “a luxury” problem before tonight’s Nations League game against Türkiye in Izmir.
The winger missed the first four games of Belgium’s Nations League campaign in September and October through injury. He is now fit for both of the last two group games, in Izmir on Thursday and at home to Italy in Brussels on Sunday.
Belgium will be without record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku, though, after the striker felt a problem in his hip.
What did Van Bommel say about Doku?
The Belgium boss was delighted to have him back, but he would not say whether Doku will start. Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, he said: “I’m very pleased to have Jeremy back in the squad. It certainly makes selecting the starting line-up more difficult, but I think all five wingers are capable of playing on either side. It’s a puzzle, but a nice problem to have. I can’t give you an answer yet as to who will play.”
Van Bommel added that Doku “can be super dangerous”, before pointing out that the same goes for the men who did the job without him last time.
Who is Doku competing with?
Mika Godts, Dodi Lukebakio and Diego Moreira all played on the flanks in the last international window. Godts and Lukebakio both scored, and Moreira caught the eye, so Doku is not walking straight back into the side.
Van Bommel also wants the same style as before: a high press, plenty of the ball and quick transitions. That should suit a winger who loves to run at defenders, and he is expected to start tonight.
What is at stake for Belgium?
A lot. Belgium are third in League A Group 1 with six points, behind France on 10 and Italy on seven, and only the top two go through to the quarter-finals in March. France face Italy in Milan tonight, so a Belgium win in Izmir would keep the group alive until Sunday’s meeting with the Italians.
Kick-off against Türkiye is at 5pm UK time (10.30pm IST).
Lukaku’s hip problem
Van Bommel explained that Lukaku had already felt the hip on Tuesday. He is still able to train, but player and staff agreed he would not be involved against Türkiye. The coach said he hopes to have him fit for the Italy game.
Why this break matters for Doku and City
Doku’s return is the latest step back after his own injury problems, and it comes at a time when City need more from their wide players. He was one of those who spoke honestly after the defeat at the City Ground, when he agreed with Oliver Glasner’s verdict on how Forest beat Man City.
Two international games with real stakes are a chance to get back to his best before Manchester City host Fulham on 21 November. A goal or two in Izmir and Brussels would do his confidence no harm, and a fit, sharp Doku is exactly what Enzo Maresca needs after three straight league defeats. He was also up for October’s Goal of the Month, a reminder of what he can do on his day.
