Kevin De Bruyne has been left out of Belgium’s squad for their October fixtures in the Nations League.
The Manchester City playmaker has missed his side’s last three matches after sustaining a muscular injury in the first half of the 0-0 draw against Inter Milan in last month’s Champions League tie.
De Bruyne, 33, was substituted after appearing to hurt himself during a first-half run, where he was challenged by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Despite receiving treatment, he continued until the break but did not return for the second half.
De Bruyne has since missed City’s Premier League draws against Arsenal and Newcastle United, while also sitting out the midweek Champions League victory at Slovan Bratislava. Speaking last Friday ahead of the Newcastle game, City manager Pep Guardiola said the Belgian would “maybe” return before the international break.
Two 🔝 fixtures coming up. ⏳ #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/23EXW6y6KT
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 4, 2024
He was limited to just 18 Premier League starts last season after sustaining a hamstring injury which required surgery on the opening day of the Premier League season against Burnley and sidelined him for four months.
City host Fulham on Saturday and return to Premier League action on October 20 with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
De Bruyne will miss Belgium’s Nations League match away to Italy on October 10 and their home game against France four days later.
(Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
