Doku back in training after breathing scare, Lukaku fine

Doku breathing scare – but he's back

Jeremy Doku is back in training after a breathing issue forced him off on Tuesday. The winger stepped away from the session early, which raised immediate alarm given his history of fitness problems. "When Jeremy walks off the pitch, it's logical that questions are asked right away," said Alexis Saelemaekers (1). But the team have worked flat out to manage his condition, with special protocols in place to keep him in top shape ahead of the tournament (8). Doku himself has moved to reassure fans – he was all smiles at Wednesday's session and looked sharp (2) (10). No lasting damage. No panic.

Lukaku tweaks ankle, nothing serious

Romelu Lukaku grabbed at his ankle during training but it was nothing more than a minor knock. He continued the session without issue and there's no concern about his availability (10). He's been fully involved in camp since the team landed in Seattle and looks ready.

Debast trains alone, Courtois hits the golf course

Zeno Debast is doing individual rehabilitation work away from the main group (6). No official word yet on the severity, but any defensive absence is worth watching with the opener approaching. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois spent part of Wednesday on the golf course – and still found time to make a young fan's day. A Belgian supporter in Seattle said his son got Courtois' autograph: "My son is a huge fan of Courtois and got a signature. It was perfect" (6).

Local keeper Max Anchor joins training

Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Max Anchor has been training with the squad. The Canadian youth international is helping the Red Devils with local acclimatization and filling in during sessions (2) (6). A small but useful bridge between the Belgian camp and the host city.

Degryse: quarter-final minimum, but there's a problem

Marc Degryse sees two top favorites for the World Cup but believes Belgium can trouble anyone. His warning: the attack has gone missing in big moments. "In the last seven matches at a major tournament, we failed to score five times," he said (5). Steven Defour and Justien Odeurs agree the bar is clear: "To speak of a success, we have to reach at least the quarter-final" (9). The analysts also flagged one team with "enormous attacking wealth" as the standout favorite (12).

Saelemaekers names the camp morale man

Diego Moreira is the dressing-room spark, according to Saelemaekers. "The biggest atmosphere maker? That's Diego Moreira. He makes you laugh, even in the tougher moments" (14). The two AC Milan men – Saelemaekers and Koni De Winter – also spoke about how playing at a club of that size accelerates your development: "Whoever plays at such a massive club grows up faster" (7).