Van Bommel delighted as Jeremy Doku returns to boost Belgium’s Nations League hopes

Belgium coach Mark van Bommel is delighted to welcome Jeremy Doku back into his squad, although the winger’s return has created a selection headache ahead of their crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The Manchester City forward is available again after recovering from injury that forced him to miss Belgium’s opening four matches in the Nations League campaign in September and October.

Doku’s return comes at an important stage of the competition, with Belgium preparing for two decisive Group A1 encounters against Turkey in Izmir on Thursday and Italy in Brussels on Sunday.

The 24-year-old endured a difficult World Cup campaign, having struggled with illness during the tournament. His absence from the national team in recent months has also limited Van Bommel’s attacking options.

However, his return provides Belgium with another attacking weapon as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Van Bommel welcomed the winger’s availability, admitting that selecting his starting attackers has now become more complicated.

“I’m very pleased to have Jeremy back in the squad,” the Belgium coach said.

“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,” he added.

Doku’s versatility could prove valuable as Belgium prepare for two demanding fixtures, although Van Bommel has yet to decide whether the winger will immediately return to the starting line-up.

Lukaku ruled out as Belgium face injury setback

While Doku’s return represents a major boost, Belgium will be without their record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku for the encounter against Turkey.

The striker has been struggling with a hip problem, forcing Van Bommel and the medical team to take a cautious approach despite his ability to continue training.

The coach confirmed that both parties had agreed to leave Lukaku out of the squad for Thursday’s fixture, with the hope that he could recover in time for Sunday’s meeting with Italy.

“Romelu is having some problems with his hip. He was already feeling it yesterday. He is still able to train, but we have mutually decided not to include him in the line-up,” Van Bommel explained.

Despite his limited involvement in the campaign, the coach highlighted Lukaku’s importance to the national team, praising his influence beyond his contributions on the pitch.

The striker has started only one match so far but has remained an important figure within the squad, including when introduced as a substitute.

“He is an important player for us, both on and off the pitch. He’s only started one match so far, but he has already made an important contribution, including as a substitute,” Van Bommel said.

“So I hope I can get him fit again in time for the match against Italy,” he added.

Belgium face crucial battle for quarter-final qualification

Belgium head into their final two Group A1 fixtures knowing that their results could determine whether they advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Red Devils currently occupy third position with six points, behind leaders France, who have accumulated 10 points, and Italy, who sit second with seven.

Only the top two teams in the group will progress to the quarter-finals scheduled for March.

France will face Italy in Milan on Thursday, a fixture that could significantly influence the qualification picture before Belgium take on Turkey.

With Doku available again but Lukaku sidelined, Van Bommel will need to find the right attacking combination to keep Belgium’s qualification ambitions alive.

The return of the Manchester City winger offers renewed optimism, but Belgium must deliver results in their final two matches to avoid missing out on the knockout stage.