Rudi Garcia confirms Jeremy Doku out for Belgium vs Iran

Belgium's national team, the Rode Duivels, will face Iran on 21 June without winger Jeremy Doku, who is sidelined by a respiratory infection, coach Rudi Garcia announced at a press conference. The French manager confirmed the decision ahead of the match scheduled for 21:00. "Normally I do not speak about injured players," Garcia said, adding that he will answer one question regarding Doku's absence. He noted that Doku was fit to play against Egypt but his condition deteriorated thereafter. Garcia stressed that he will not field players who are not 100 % medically, though he can accept those who are not fully fit physically. He drew a clear distinction between medical and physical readiness.

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One likely replacement is Dodi Lukebakio, a Manchester City winger who has already earned caps for Belgium and offers comparable speed and depth on the flank. Fernandez-Pardo is also mentioned as a potential option, having impressed in recent months with his explosiveness and attacking bravery, traits that could be valuable against a team that may sit low defensively.

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Leandro Trossard, the Arsenal forward, provides a different profile, bringing creativity between the lines and considerable international experience. Garcia has not disclosed his final choice, but confirmed that the squad will be reshuffled, turning Doku's absence into an opportunity for other attackers to step forward.