Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has pulled out of the Belgium squad for their upcoming friendlies because of a groin injury.
The 32-year-old is expected to miss the FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United on Saturday, although the groin problem is believed to be minor, so he's likely to return after the international break.
There's a significant clash in the Premier League title race on 31 March as Arsenal go to the Etihad and Manchester City will be eager to have the influential midfielder available for that match.
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco commented on the injury, saying: ‘It's an injury to his groin. He's been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games.
‘We found out about Kevin De Bruyne’s injury yesterday. I talked with him and the doctor. We decided not to take any risks.
‘We want to give him time to recover. This is not the time to take risks with our players, three months before the Euros.’
Belgium are playing Republic or Ireland on 23 March and then England at Wembley three days later as they prepare for Euro 2024.
arguing with manager Pep Guardiola on the touchline. However, if the Belgian has been struggling with a groin problem then that could explain the substitution at Anfield.
The draw with the Reds left the defending champions third in the Premier League table, one point behind leaders Arsenal and Liverpool with 10 games to play.
‘This is not the time to take risks with our players, three months before the Euros.’
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