NEW YORK, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Belgium winger Jeremy Doku has rejoined the team's World Cup training camp in Seattle after a brief trip to England for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old Manchester City player was given permission by the Belgian Football Association to travel home and was accompanied by team doctor Brecht De Coninck.
Doku and his wife welcomed a son, Praise.
Although Doku featured in Belgium's 1-1 draw with Egypt in its World Cup opener, he missed Sunday's 0-0 draw with Iran.
"Jeremy was informed yesterday, before the match, that the birth was imminent. As he had already been receiving the appropriate medication for several days, he was able to travel without any medical risk to be with his family during this special moment. He was accompanied by fellow team doctor Brecht De Coninck," the Belgian Football Association said in a statement on Sunday.
"Everything went very well, and mother, father and son are all doing great. Jeremy will rejoin the squad in Seattle tomorrow (Monday) evening," it added.
Doku's decision to leave the camp temporarily was widely supported within football, although it also drew criticism from French television presenter France Pierron, who was later taken off air following her comments. ■
