Doku returns as Belgium name squad for Nations League

Belgium face Turkiye and Italy in the Nations League this month, with Jeremy Doku hoping to make an impact on his return to the squad.

Mark van Bommel has named his 26-man Belgium squad for the upcoming fixtures, with Manchester City winger Doku returning for the Red Devils.

Doku last played for Belgium in their quarter-final defeat to Spain at this summer’s World Cup, after sustaining a calf injury that ruled him out of the last international break.

The 24-year-old missed the first part of the season but has since returned for City, scoring one goal and providing one assist in nine appearances across all competitions.

His return is a major boost for Van Bommel, who hopes Doku can add pace, directness and creativity to Belgium’s attack in two crucial games.

Belgium are still without Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who agreed with Van Bommel during the last international break that he would take a period of leave from the squad.

As a result, Van Bommel has named four goalkeepers, with Jari De Busser, Senne Lammens, Mike Penders and Maarten Vandevoordt all selected in his latest group.

The depth in goal underlines Belgium’s strength in that position, even without their first-choice shot-stopper.

Genk defender Josue Kongolo has been called up for the first time after earning promotion from Belgium’s under-21 team and will replace AC Milan defender Koni De Winter.

Van Bommel confirmed that De Winter had refused a call-up because he was unhappy about being left on the bench in previous games.

Five players from Serie A have been included in Van Bommel’s squad: Kevin De Bruyne, Diego Moreira, Arthur Theate, Mandela Keita and Charles De Ketelaere.

De Bruyne’s experience remains vital as Belgium look to climb the standings.

Belgium sit third in Group A1 after their opening four Nations League matches, with Italy and France above them in the current standings.

The Red Devils host Roberto Mancini’s Italy in Brussels on November 14th. Positive results would strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.