De Bruyne ruled out of Belgium's clash with England with a problem on the groin
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has been left out of the Belgium squad ahead of friendly clash with England as a result of a 'problem on the groin'.
The midfield maestro has endured a trying campaign that has been ravaged by injuries after a vintage season in 2022-23 that inspired his side to a historic Treble win culminating in Istanbul.
The Belgian was out from late August until late December with a hamstring injury and has so far missed some 32 games in all competitions through fitness issues for the Citizens, however this latest blow is only thought to be a minor one.
Domenico Tedesco's side will face the Republic of Ireland and England in two friendlies this week as part of the international break, and are now set to be without one of their most potent threats.
'I don't know if there is a connection to his hamstring injury. It is now a problem on the groin that he struggled with in the last few matches,' Tedesco told reporters on Thursday.
'Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided the risk is too great. It is our responsibility to take into account the player but also the player's club.
'It is better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship. We can't take a risk now and certainly not with Kevin.'
Despite his fitness troubles, De Bruyne has still managed two goals and 13 assists in his 14 club outings in 2023-24.
It was also announced that Tedesco has extended his contract at the helm for another two years which will see him take them to the 2026 World Cup.
Tedesco took over from Roberto Martinez after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Belgium have not lost in his 10 games in charge so far, though a fallout with their usual first choice keeper means
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