Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt to face Arsenal in this month’s Premier League title clash having picked up a groin injury.
That is according to Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco, who has left the Manchester City star out of his squad to face Ireland and England.
The 32-year-old only returned to action in January having suffered a hamstring knock in the opening match of the top-flight season away at Burnley in August.
De Bruyne has been nothing short of sensational in 2024 – chipping in with two goals and 13 assists in just 13 matches in all competitions.
But he has suffered a fresh injury setback, with Tedesco stating he has been playing through the pain in the build-up to March’s international break with a long-term groin problem.
“It is now a problem with the groin that he has been struggling with in recent matches.
“Yesterday I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided that the risk is too great.
“It is our responsibility to take into account the player, but also the player’s team.
The Citizens star has impressed in his few top-flight outings this campaign
“It must make sense to call up a player. If he cannot play or train, it is our responsibility to protect him.
“It’s better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship. We can’t take any risks now, especially not with Kevin.”
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Injuries have seen De Bruyne fail to make his 100th Belgium appearance since March 2023.
But crucially, he could be absent when league leaders Arsenal face City at the Etihad on March 31, with just a point separating the two teams.
The hosts could already be without goalkeeper Ederson for the crunch clash after the Brazilian suffered a thigh injury in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool.
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