Jeremy Doku's form hampered by illness and new fatherhood, Lukebakio backs teammate

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku entered the World Cup struggling to reach his usual level after a severe respiratory infection that left him unable to breathe properly and limited his training. The player also recently became a father and has had to adjust to travel and other new responsibilities, which Lukebakio said require "patience".

Teammate Dodi Lukebakio publicly defended Doku, calling him "like a brother" and urging the public to remember the difficulties Doku has faced. He added that Doku’s situation is not unusual and that the striker will return to his best form in time. Football analyst Frank Boeckx compared Doku’s current state to that of Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, suggesting the Belgian could "explode" later in the tournament. Lukebakio’s own spot in the starting line‑up for the upcoming United States match is also being discussed, though he emphasized the focus should remain on the whole 26‑player squad.