Kevin De Bruyne will not be involved against Ireland and England (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has pulled out of the Belgium squad for their upcoming friendlies due to a groin injury.
The 32-year-old is set to miss the FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United on Saturday, although the groin problem is thought to be minor, so he is likely to return after the international break.
There is a huge clash in the Premier League title race on 31 March as Arsenal go to the Etihad and Manchester City will be very keen to have the influential midfielder available for that one.
On the injury Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco said: ‘It is an injury to his groin. He’s been playing with a minor groin issue in the last games.
‘We learned of Kevin De Bruyne’s injury yesterday. I spoke with him and the doctor. We decided to take zero risks.
‘We want to give him time to recover. This is not the time to take risks with our players, three months before the Euros.’
Belgium are playing Republic or Ireland on 23 March and then England at Wembley three days later as they prepare for Euro 2024.
De Bruyne was taken off in Man City’s draw at Liverpool last weekend (Picture: Getty Images)
De Bruyne was substituted during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool last weekend and was visibly frustrated about it, arguing with manager Pep Guardiola on the touchline.
However, if the Belgian has been struggling with a groin problem then that could explain the substitution at Anfield.
The draw with the Reds left the defending champions third in the Premier League table, one point behind leaders Arsenal and Liverpool with 10 games to play.
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