Kevin De Bruyne left out of Belgium squad under injury cloud, boss Domenico Tedesco signs new contract

Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco says he "can't take a risk" by picking Kevin De Bruyne in his squad for upcoming friendlies, revealing his captain has a groin injury.

The Manchester City midfielder looked frustrated when he was brought off in the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at fellow Premier League title contenders Liverpool, but boss Pep Guardiola did not reveal details about any fitness problem.

The latest issue will be a concern to City fans ahead of a huge game against leaders Arsenal after the international break, as De Bruyne has only recently returned from a long-term hamstring injury.

Guardiola is already likely to be without his first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, who was injured when he collided with Darwin Nunez against Liverpool - a challenge which resulted in a penalty, scored by Alexis MacAllister.

Belgium will be one of England’s friendly opponents in the coming weeks, with Tedesco’s side facing the Republic of Ireland before that.

“I don't know if there is a connection to his [De Bruyne’s] hamstring injury. It is now a problem on the groin that he struggled with in the last few matches,” Tedesco said.

“Yesterday, I spoke to the doctor and Kevin and we decided the risk is too great. It is our responsibility to take into account the player but also the player's club.

“It is better to give him time to recover well at City and then have him ready for the European Championship. We can't take a risk now and certainly not with Kevin.”

De Bruyne returned to action in January after injuring his hamstring in the opening game of the season, in a 3-0 win at Burnley. He has since made 12 appearances for last season's treble winners, scoring twice. City are yet to comment on his latest injury.

Speaking to reporters at the Herge museum, where a new away kit inspired by the iconic Belgian cartoon character Tintin was unveiled, it was also announced that Tedesco has signed a new contract until at least the 2026 World Cup.

The former Schalke and RB Leipzig head coach is undefeated in 10 games since succeeding Roberto Martinez after the 2022 World Cup.

Vice-captain Romelu Lukaku has been selected in the squad, even though the Roma forward has been ruled out of Thursday’s night’s Europa League last-16 second leg at Brighton due to injury.

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