Common sense prevails as Jeremy Doku is withdrawn from international duty

Jeremy Doku has become the fifth Manchester City player to have been withdrawn from international duty today. City’s dynamic winger has been deemed unfit to play for Belgium in their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. It appears that common sense has prevailed based on the injury Jeremy Doku has suffered. The winger missed City’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday with a quad injury.

Belgium confirmed Doku’s withdrawal from their squad via a statement on X. Based on Pep Guardiola’s assessment of Doku’s injury following his team’s defeat on Saturday, it appeared unlikely that Doku would feature for Belgium. That news has now been confirmed this evening.

READ MORE: Three more Manchester City players are withdrawn from international duty.

Speaking after Manchester City’s loss to Brighton Pep Guardiola told the media that Doku had suffered a quad injury. The severity of the injury is unknown at this time. When asked about Doku’s injury Guardiola said: “He has some muscular problems in his quadriceps. He doesn’t feel good, he cannot run at full speed. (After the international break?) When we arrive, we will make a test, and we’ll make a selection, and we’ll see how they feel.”

Jeremy Doku is the fifth Manchester City player to have been withdrawn from international duty today. Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes and Manuel Akanji have also been relieved of their international duties. While it is a concern for the world champions, the chance for all five to rest is a bonus for Pep Guardiola’s side. With such a heavy schedule to manage any opportunity to rest for the Manchester City players needs to be taken.

But it does appear that common sense has prevailed in the case of Jeremy Doku. There appeared to be no way that the winger could play for Belgium due to injury. That is how it has played out based on today’s news. It is now hoped that Doku can rest and recover in time for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham after the international break.