Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will not feature in Belgium’s squad for friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and England this month because of a groin strain.
Red Devils coach Domenico Tedesco said playmaker De Bruyne had been playing with an issue “for the last few matches”, adding that he did not know whether there was a “connection” between his new injury and the hamstring surgery which forced the 32-year-old to miss five months of the season.
“We can’t take a risk now – and certainly not with Kevin,” said Tedesco. “It is better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship.”
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De Bruyne did not appear to have a physical problem when he was substituted in the 69th minute of City’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, remonstrating with manager Pep Guardiola about the decision to replace him.
Belgium play in Dublin on March 23 and at Wembley on March 26, continuing their preparations for a Uefa Euro 2024 campaign which starts against Slovakia in Frankfurt on June 17.
“Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided the risk is too great,” added Tedesco.
“It is our responsibility to take into account the player but also the player’s club.”
“It’s fine” 🤷♂️
Pep Guardiola on Kevin De Bruyne’s reaction to being subbed off 🔵 PIC.TWITTER.COM/RGXJM0SCXE
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City host Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, two weeks before Premier League leaders Arsenal visit Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne was directly involved in three goals in the first leg of City’s Champions League round 16 win over Copenhagen and contributed four assists and one goal in his first four Premier League matches following his comeback.
He set up John Stones’ early opener at Liverpool with a cleverly-taken corner for his only goal involvement in four top-flight games since then, although he assisted four goals in City’s 6-2 win at Luton Town in the FA Cup fourth round on February 27.
“It’s not a problem,” Guardiola told TNT Sports when he was asked about De Bruyne’s reaction to being substituted.
“We’re fine. He will have a chance in the next game to prove how wrong I was.”
