Manchester City’s influential midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, has been sidelined from both international and club duties due to a groin strain. The 32-year-old playmaker, who was substituted in the 69th minute during Manchester City’s recent Premier League encounter against Liverpool, will miss Belgium’s friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and England later this month. Additionally, he has been ruled out of Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Newcastle United.
Belgium’s manager, Domenico Tedesco, confirmed De Bruyne’s absence, citing his ongoing struggle with the injury over the past few matches. “We can’t take a risk now and certainly not with Kevin,” Tedesco stated, highlighting the need for prioritizing De Bruyne’s recovery to ensure his availability for the upcoming European Championship.
De Bruyne’s injury setback adds to his previous challenges this season, having missed the first five months due to a hamstring injury before returning to action in January. Tedesco admitted uncertainty regarding any potential connection between De Bruyne’s current groin strain and his previous hamstring issue, but underscored the importance of careful management to avoid further complications.
Looking ahead, Manchester City, currently occupying the third spot in the Premier League table, face a crucial fixture against league leaders Arsenal on March 31st. De Bruyne’s availability for this encounter remains uncertain, pending his recovery progress.
Tedesco emphasized the shared responsibility in managing De Bruyne’s fitness, stating, “It is our responsibility to take into account the player but also the player’s club.” De Bruyne’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by both Belgium and Manchester City, underscoring the significance of his recovery process in the days to come.
