Revealed: Kevin De Bruyne to miss three matches for Manchester City and Belgium due to injury

Manchester City and Belgium will be without Kevin De Bruyne for a period of three matches following a fresh injury problem for the midfielder, it has been reported.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder was left out of Belgium’s squad list for the final international break before the upcoming European Championships this summer, with injury being credited for the omission shortly afterwards.

Speaking to the press upon confirmation of his selection, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco explained, “He’s been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games. I spoke to the doctor and Kevin (De Bruyne), we decided the risk is too big.

“It’s better to give him time to recover well at Man City and have him ready for the Euros.”

In light of confirmation of an absence from international duty, a new report on the injury has detailed just how long De Bruyne could be ruled out for, amid a string of crucial fixtures for Pep Guardiola’s squad.

According to PA, Kevin De Bruyne will now miss Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Newcastle United on Saturday evening as a result of the minor groin problem, although there is hope when it comes to the club’s Premier League schedule.

Having also not been selected for international duty under Domenico Tedesco, De Bruyne will miss Belgium’s upcoming two matches against the Republic of Ireland and England in international friendly fixtures.

However, when it comes to Manchester City’s next Premier League game against Arsenal on the final day of March, PA report that the problem is ‘not considered too serious’ by the club and they are ‘hopeful’ he will be fit to face the Gunners on March 31.

The month of April does not get any easier for the reigning Treble winners either, opening the month with a back-to-back Premier League clash against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium, and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Both sides have caused issues for Manchester City already this season, with the reigning Premier League champions falling to a hugely disappointing defeat at Villa Park in early December.

Those top-flight clashes are then followed up by the club’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final double-header, with the draw for that round of the competition to be finalised by European football’s governing body on Friday.