Kevin De Bruyne OUT of Belgium squad in huge concern for Man City ahead of crunch title clash with Arsenal
KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been ruled out of Belgium’s fixtures against Ireland and England with a groin injury.
And that means he will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup quarter final against Newcastle at the Etihad on Saturday, while also being a doubt for this month's title clash against Arsenal.
The Belgian had major hamstring surgery earlier in the season which sidelined him for more than four months.
He returned in early January and having their talisman back lifted Pep Guardiola’s team during a crucial run of fixtures.
KDB was picked to start in the title crunch at Liverpool on Sunday – but was unhappy when he was subbed late on.
Now Red Devils coach Dominico Tedesco revealed he learned of the setback when City returned to training on Wednesday after a couple of days off.
He said: “I spoke with him and the doctor and we decided to take zero risks. We want to give him time to recover.
"He's been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games.
“This is not the time to take risks with our players, three months before the Euros.
“We have to take the player into account but also his team.
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“It’s a groin injury but we don’t know if it is related to the hamstring problem. But it’s a big blow for us.
“It’s been a year now that he didn’t play for Belgium and we need him. He wants to come but it was not possible.
“But we need him for the Euros so we took the wise decision to leave him at City.”
De Bruyne – who turns 33 in the summer – has started only eight matches for his club this season, with six more appearances off the bench.
Phll Foden was flourishing in the central role normally occupied by KDB in his absence – and could now be moved back into the middle against the Toon.