Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne omitted from Belgium squad with groin injury

The 32-year-old was sidelined for the first five months of the campaign after tearing his hamstring in Man City's Premier League opener against Burnley back in August.

De Bruyne made his long-awaited return at the beginning of January and has since been in outstanding form for the Citizens, contributing with one goal and 10 assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.

However, De Bruyne could be facing another spell in the treatment room, as Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco has revealed that the playmaker is nursing a groin injury that he «has been struggling with in the last matches.»

De Bruyne started Man City's enthralling 1-1 draw with Premier League rivals Liverpool last weekend, but was notably frustrated to be withdrawn by manager Pep Guardiola in the 69th minute.

City's No.17 has now been been left out of Belgium's 25-man squad ahead of international friendlies with England and the Republic of Ireland later this month.

The Red Devils are scheduled to face Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on March 23, three days before travelling to London to face England at Wembley Stadium.

Discussing De Bruyne's omission from the Belgium squad, Tedesco told reporters: «I don't know if there is a connection with his hamstring injury. It's now a problem at the groin that he has been struggling with in the last matches.

»It's a big blow for us. Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin, and we decided that the risk is too high.

«It's our responsibility to consider the player, but also the player's team. It has to make sense to call up a player. If he cannot play or